Mexico to host Iran for World Cup amid US visa restrictions on players

Mexico will host the Iranian national team during the World Cup so its players can avoid US visa restrictions.The team had originally planned to set up its camp in Tucson, Arizona.Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum revealed the United States had requested that Mexico host Iran.Sheinbaum said: The United States does not want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say They asked us because they are going to play all three matches there. So they asked us: 'Can they stay overnight in Mexico?'And we said: 'Yes, no problem.' We have absolutely no problem with that.Fifa have confirmed that Iran's training base will be at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, Mexico.The World Cup is being co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico, with all three of Iran's games in the US.LATEST SPORTS NEWSWest Ham make decision on Nuno Espirito Santo sack as Hammers plan life in ChampionshipRory McIlroy major doubt for US Open after new problem raisedLiverpool footballer fined for using phone while driving on motorwayIran will kick off its campaign against New Zealand on June 15, before facing Belgium six days later, with both games being held in Los Angeles.The Iranian team will play its third match in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.Iran are currently preparing for the tournament in Antalya, southern Turkey.The country's sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, confirmed the squad will be given visas to play in the US.He said: The Fifa president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas.The Iranian FA presented to Fifa a list of 10 conditions they will require to participate in the World Cup.These included allowing players, coaches and officials who have undertaken military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to have visas.US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iran's players will be welcome at the tournament; however, individuals connected to the IRGC may face entry restrictions.Several players have gone to the US Embassy in Ankara to submit their visa applications for the World Cup.Iran qualified for a fourth consecutive World Cup by topping its group in the third round of Asian qualifying last year.The country has played at six previous World Cups, failing to make it past the group stages in 2022.Iran played the US and England at the Qatar World Cup, losing both games, but did beat Wales to finish third in the group.Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter