Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said that her nation would welcome the Iranian national soccer team during the World Cup after the U.S. said it wouldn't.
The Associated Press reported that Sheinbaum was approached by FIFA, the international soccer governing body which organizes the World Cup, about hosting the team after the U.S. indicated they did not want the team in the country during the tournament.
Sheinbaum said a FIFA representative called her and said, "The United States doesn't want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States. Can they stay overnight in Mexico?"
"And we said, 'Yes, no problem. We have no issue with that'," she said.
The AP noted that the Iranians are scheduled to play matches in Inglewood, California, in June against New Zealand, Belgium, and against Egypt in Seattle.
The Iranians originally planned to stay in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. But that changed after President Trump expressed on Truth Social that he did not think the team should stay in the U.S. during the tournament as the war between the countries continues.
"The Iran National Soccer Team is welcome to The World Cup, but I really don't believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter! President DONALD J. TRUMP," the President wrote on Truth Social.
The U.S. and Israel bombed Iran on February 28, killing most of the country's leadership. President Trump has insisted this was part of a limited military operation and not a declaration of war by the U.S. Under the Constitution, only Congress can declare war, and Trump did not seek authorization from Congress before the bombing.
Regardless, the resulting conflict has now dragged on for months. Thus far, 13 U.S. service members have died, and 400 have been injured. Also, the war has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, disrupting global supply chains and creating an energy crisis. Negotiations between Iran and the U.S. are ongoing.
"Negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran are proceeding nicely! It will only be a Great Deal for all or, no Deal at all — Back to the Battlefront and shooting, but bigger and stronger than ever before — And nobody wants that!" Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday.
