Mexico and U.S. officials are coordinating security for Iran’s FIFA World Cup delegation, set to arrive in Tijuana between June 5 and 6.
Tijuana, Mexico, (EFE) — Federal, state, and binational security officials from Mexico and the United States advanced coordination meetings Friday ahead of the arrival of the Iranian national soccer team to Tijuana, which will serve as the team’s base camp during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Baja California Governor Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda confirmed that meetings have been underway since the beginning of the week at all levels of government to organize the logistics and security arrangements for Iran’s stay in the border city.
“We are going to receive the Iranian national team in the coming days, and they will be here in Tijuana, Baja California,” the governor stated.
Baja California Secretary General of Government Juan José Pon Méndez noted that the working groups include municipal, state, and federal authorities, as well as airport and immigration personnel, Mexican Navy and National Guard elements, FIFA representatives, and U.S. officials. The Iranian delegation is expected to arrive between June 5 and 6, with approximately 300 federal security personnel deployed to Baja California to reinforce the security strategy, alongside specialized FIFA staff and a team from the Iranian delegation itself.
The arrangement came about after the United States refused to allow the Iranian team to stay overnight on U.S. soil. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed Monday that Iran would be welcome to base itself in Tijuana.
“FIFA’s representative came and explained that the United States does not want the Iranian national team staying overnight in the U.S. They asked us: ‘Can they stay in Mexico?’ And we said, ‘Yes, no problem,'” Sheinbaum explained at her daily press conference.
On Thursday, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, visited Tijuana to inspect facilities ahead of the delegation’s arrival, turning the border city into a political symbol. “We are the only team that has truly not received support,” the ambassador said, noting that Iran continues to face uncertainty over immigration permits and mobility with just days before the tournament begins.
Placed in Group G, Iran will play its first two matches — against New Zealand and Belgium — on June 16 and 21 in Los Angeles, and its third match, against Egypt, in Seattle.
Tijuana was selected by FIFA for its location and infrastructure, including the facilities of Estadio Caliente, home of Club Tijuana Xoloitzcuintles.
The news also drew reactions from Tijuana residents, with some expecting the Iranian team to find a warm welcome from local fans. “We Tijuanenses are very affectionate and show a lot of love to people who come here,” said local Omar Camarillo. Others, like José Luis García Salazar, suggested Iran would not attract significant attention among fans given that the team is not widely recognized as a soccer powerhouse.
