Iran’s Team Melli Relocates to Tijuana Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Following the February 2026 U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran, which caused a digital blackout for about 92 million Iranians, the team faced U.S. visa delays. In early June the federation secured FIFA approval to move the camp to Tijuana. The U.S. State Department warned it would not let the squad “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the U.S.” Tijuana’s Iranian community numbers roughly 20, while Los Angeles hosts the largest Iranian diaspora, fueling divergent views on supporting the team versus protesting its government.

The Conversation

Fans gather daily outside the hotel for autographs; Mexican soldiers provide 24-hour security. The team travels with a chef. Saied Assadi’s restaurant, Mexico’s second Iranian eatery, flies a pre-revolutionary Lion and Sun flag that some locals find off-putting. 20-person Iranian community in Tijuana feels belonging through the squad.

UsNews and World Report

The U.S. State Department warned it would not let the team “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the U.S.” Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said the Trump administration labels dissenters as terrorists. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad aims to play football and represent Iranians inside Iran and abroad. Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj demanded guarantees that no one insult symbols of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. FIFA’s stadium code bans political or discriminatory flags.

ESPN

Many diaspora members view the Lion and Sun flag as political and object to its display; a California non-profit sued to block FIFA’s flag restriction on free-expression grounds. Some Iranian Americans plan empty-seat or spray-paint protests at SoFi Stadium, while others loyal to deposed Pahlavi regime see the team’s U.S. appearance as an extension of policy. The split shows a divide between those who treat Team Melli as a cultural unifier and those who view it as state propaganda.

UsNews and World Report

Sources differ on the exact number of support staff denied U.S. visas, and the U.S. has not clarified whether any pre-revolutionary flags will be allowed inside stadiums.

UsNews and World Report

• “Tijuana and especially the Mexican people – they've been amazing,” — Saeid Ezzatollahi, player

UsNews and World Report

• “I would like to let you know that we are here to play football and we are here to represent the respectful people of Iran, be it the Iranians inside Iran or the Iranian diaspora,” — Amir Ghalenoei, coach

ESPN

• “Getty Images "We respect all Iranians, be it the Iranians who are inside the country or Iranians who are outside the country," Taremi said through a FIFA interpreter.” — Mehdi Taremi, forward

ESPN

Team Melli will play New Zealand on June 15, then Belgium and Egypt, while the California lawsuit proceeds and protests loom at U.S. venues.

ESPN