Iran's World Cup Detour: Mexico Hosts Team Amid U.S. Rejection

Iran's national soccer team will reside in Mexico for the World Cup after the United States declined to host the team during the tournament, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced on Monday.

Sheinbaum stated that FIFA approached Mexico following the U.S. decision to refuse hosting Iran, even though the Iranian team is set to play three matches in the U.S. Group G. 'We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,' Sheinbaum remarked during a press briefing.

Scheduled to play matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in U.S. cities, the team's base will be relocated to Tijuana, reducing visa-related challenges. FIFA confirmed the decision, made to circumvent geopolitical pressures after escalated tensions between the U.S. and Iran.

(With inputs from agencies.)