TEHRAN (Tasnim) – Mexico said on Tuesday that the country stands ready to host some of Iran’s matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed her country’s readiness when responding to a question about whether Mexico would welcome Iran’s participation in Mexico’s home ground for the tournament. “Yes,” she replied with a clear endorsement, emphasizing that Mexico maintains diplomatic relations with all countries worldwide and is eagerly awaiting FIFA’s final decision on the hosting arrangement.

This announcement comes as US President Donald Trump issued a thinly veiled threat to Iran’s national football team last week by declaring they are “welcome” but warning it would not be “appropriate” for them to attend “for their own life and safety.”

The statement was posted on his Truth Social platform, following the US-Israeli aggression that has severely damaged several Iranian sports facilities.

In response to these events, Tehran has vowed to boycott the tournament as a protest against the assassination of its leaders and the ongoing imposed war. 

The statement by the US president came just days after Trump assured FIFA President Gianni Infantino that Iran would be allowed to compete in the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.