What happened: According to a Yahoo Soccer signal, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has agreed to allow Iran's national team to be based in Mexico during the World Cup. The arrangement reportedly follows the United States' unwillingness to host the Iranian delegation in the co-hosted tournament.
Why it matters: The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, so where each squad is based carries logistical and diplomatic weight. US-Iran political tensions have long complicated travel and hosting, and shifting Iran's base to Mexico sidesteps that friction while keeping the team inside the tournament footprint.
What to watch: Watch for official confirmation from FIFA, the Iranian federation, or Mexican authorities, and for details on Iran's group draw and match venues that would clarify the base-camp logistics.