Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's national football team will base themselves in Mexico for the upcoming World Cup, travelling to the United States only for their matches. This arrangement follows reports that the US refused to host the Iranian squad for the entire duration of the tournament. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the agreement, stating that FIFA approached her government after the US decision. President Donald Trump had previously indicated that while Iran was welcome to participate, he did not believe it was appropriate for the team to remain in the US for their "own life and safety." The team is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle, with FIFA confirming the move of their base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. In fullIran players forced to commute to World Cup games from Mexico after US refusal, president saysThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in