Mexican authorities have assigned approximately 300 military and National Guard personnel to provide security for Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving the Middle Eastern nation.
The security deployment comes as Iran remains under intense international scrutiny due to its strained relations with the United States and several Western allies, making the team one of the most closely monitored participants at the tournament.
Iran has established its World Cup training base in the Mexican city of Tijuana, where authorities have implemented extensive security measures to safeguard players, coaches and officials throughout their stay.
According to Mexican media reports, the security detail is responsible for protecting the team at its hotel, training grounds, public venues and during travel to and from match locations.
The heightened precautions follow concerns over potential protests, security threats and public reactions linked to ongoing diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The situation has drawn additional attention following a series of political and military developments in the Middle East in recent months, further placing Iran at the centre of global discussions ahead of the tournament.
Prior to the World Cup, questions were raised about Iran’s participation in matches hosted in the United States due to the long-standing political rift between the two countries, which has persisted for more than four decades since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
However, FIFA and the tournament’s host nations reaffirmed that all qualified teams would be permitted to compete in accordance with international sporting regulations that prohibit political discrimination.
Against that backdrop, Iran opted to establish its base camp in neighbouring Mexico rather than in the United States, with Tijuana serving as its primary preparation centre before travelling to host cities for matches.
Media footage has shown the team’s buses being escorted by National Guard vehicles and other security units as authorities maintain round-the-clock surveillance of the squad’s movements.
Iran opened its World Cup campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in a Group G match played in Los Angeles, collecting its first point in a group that also features Belgium and Egypt.
Security experts say the extensive protection has helped create a stable environment for the Iranian delegation, allowing the team to focus on its performances on the pitch despite the broader political tensions surrounding the country.
For many observers, the arrangements underscore the challenge of balancing security concerns with the spirit of international sport, while highlighting football’s ability to bring nations together even during periods of geopolitical uncertainty.
