The visit of the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, to the border city of Tijuana became a political and diplomatic message in the midst of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a tournament that will have the United States, Mexico and Canada as its main venues.

During a meeting with businessmen, merchants and media representatives, the Iranian diplomat highlighted the hospitality of Tijuana and thanked the Mexican government for allowing the Iranian team to establish its concentration camp in this city before and during part of the tournament.

The Iranian delegation will use Tijuana as a logistical base to play its Group G commitments, whose matches are scheduled in American cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle. However, Pasandideh assured that the selection faces difficulties derived from immigration policies and visa processes imposed by the United States.

“We are the only team that has truly not received support,” said the ambassador, pointing out the uncertainty that the Iranian delegation faces regarding entry and mobility permits during the competition.

The diplomatic representative maintained that a global sporting event should stay away from international political tensions and become a space for coexistence and friendship between nations.

“Real friends meet in difficult situations,” he said, quoting a Persian proverb while publicly thanking the support of the Mexican authorities and the reception that, he said, he has found in Tijuana.

Iranian cultural week proposed on the border

As part of the Iranian team's stay in Baja California, Pasandideh advanced the possibility of holding an Iranian cultural week in Tijuana with artistic and musical activities to bring Persian culture closer to the local community and to the visitors who will arrive for the World Cup.

The diplomat explained that Iran seeks to show a different image than the one that, according to him, is usually spread on social networks and international media.

“We want to transmit true information about our country and strengthen cultural exchange between both nations,” he commented.

In addition, he highlighted that Mexico and Iran share an ancient history and recalled that both countries have numerous cultural heritages recognized by UNESCO.

The ambassador also revealed that an Iranian musical group will soon travel to Mexico to participate in the cultural activities planned during the World Cup concentration.

As explained, around 70 members will make up the Iranian delegation, including players, coaching staff and support staff. The Mexican government will be responsible for security tasks during the team's stay in Tijuana.

Iran denounces unequal treatment heading into the tournament

Pasandideh insisted that the Iranian team feels at a disadvantage compared to other participating nations due to the restrictions and logistical complications derived from geopolitical tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel.

Iran will debut on June 16 against New Zealand in Los Angeles and will later face Belgium on June 21 in the same city. Their third match will be on June 26 against Egypt in Seattle.

The diplomat indicated that the priority will be to transport the team by air from Tijuana to the venues of their meetings, although he did not rule out land crossings to San Diego if necessary.

He also launched direct criticism of the host country by ensuring that the United States should learn from Mexico and Tijuana “how to be good hosts.”

The statements occur while the host cities of the 2026 World Cup intensify their security and logistical preparations to receive millions of fans during the tournament, considered the largest in FIFA history with 48 participating teams.