TIJUANA, MEXICO June 13, 2026 — In a display of cross-border camaraderie, Mexican locals have warmly welcomed Iran’s national football team as it prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from its base camp in Tijuana. The squad relocated to the Mexican border city after facing visa challenges for support staff in the United States, one of the tournament’s co-hosts.
Videos and reports circulating on social media, including from Iran’s official news agency IRNA, show enthusiastic Mexican fans in sombreros cheering “¡Viva Irán!” and “Vamos Iran!” outside the team’s hotel and at training sessions. Supporters have gathered daily to request autographs, take photos, wave Iranian flags, and offer hugs, creating a festive atmosphere amid the high-stakes preparations.
Many fans have expressed solidarity, with some criticizing U.S. policies. “I’m ashamed of what the United States is doing,” one local told reporters. “It’s wrong… [they] treat everyone like terrorists.” Others emphasized hospitality, with Club Tijuana staff even displaying a welcome banner in Farsi reading “Iranian cheetahs, welcome to Tijuana.”
Iran’s Team Melli arrived in Tijuana earlier this month and has been training at facilities linked to Club Tijuana (Xolos), including open sessions at the Centro Xoloitzcuintle near Estadio Caliente. The proximity to the U.S. border allows the team to travel for its group-stage matches while basing operations in Mexico.
The move came after FIFA approved the relocation from a planned camp in Tucson, Arizona, due to visa denials and geopolitical tensions. Iran’s opening match is against New Zealand, with other games in the U.S.
Local businesses and Iranian community members in the area have also joined in, promoting cultural exchanges with flags, posters, and events. The warm reception stands in contrast to the security measures surrounding the camp, which include armed guards.
As the 2026 World Cup unfolds across North America, scenes in Tijuana highlight football’s ability to foster connections beyond politics. Iranian players, including stars like Mehdi Taremi, have been seen engaging positively with fans while focusing on their campaign.
This unexpected alliance between Mexican and Iranian supporters adds a human touch to a tournament shadowed by international tensions.
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