TIJUANA, MEXICO June 14, 2026 – Enthusiastic fans swarmed the Iranian national football team’s hotel in Tijuana on Sunday, waving flags and chanting support as the squad departed for Los Angeles ahead of their FIFA World Cup 2026 Group G opener against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium.
Videos from the scene show crowds of Iranian supporters and local Mexican fans pressing against fences outside the team’s hotel, holding up phones, flags, and signs while players and staff interacted with them before boarding buses. The lively send-off, marked by chants of “Team Melli” (Persian for national team) and expressions of solidarity like “Iran, brother, you are Mexican now,” highlighted the warm reception the team has received in the border city.
Iran’s squad has been based in Tijuana since early June due to logistical and security challenges related to the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team arrived from training camp in Turkey after visa issues prevented a U.S.-based camp, with players required to fly in and out for their group-stage matches.
For the third consecutive day, fans gathered outside the hotel to greet players like star forward Mehdi Taremi, who signed autographs amid heightened security. Mexican locals have joined in the support, organizing friendly matches and showing hospitality despite broader geopolitical tensions.
The match against New Zealand kicks off at 6:00 PM local time (9:00 PM ET) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, marking Iran’s first World Cup game on U.S. soil in this tournament. Iran enters as one of the stronger sides in Group G, while New Zealand looks to make an impact as underdogs.
The send-off comes amid a complex backdrop involving diaspora politics and security concerns, but the atmosphere in Tijuana has been overwhelmingly positive for the players. Fans followed the team bus as it departed, underscoring the passion for Team Melli even far from home.
Iran will play additional group matches in the U.S. before the knockout stage, with the Tijuana base serving as their operational hub for the duration of the tournament.
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