sports
Iran's national football team receives cheers from Mexican fans in Tijuana after U.S. cancels Arizona training camp
Around 30 supporters chanted for the Iranian side and sought autographs outside its hotel. The team played a hastily arranged friendly match after U.S. training plans fell through.
Jun 11, 7:00 AM·1m read1 source
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Iran's national football team walked out of its hotel in Tijuana on Wednesday to cheers from Mexican fans. Around 30 supporters chanted "Vamos Iran! " and asked players for autographs. Jose Leyva, a 28-year-old pizzeria worker, waited several hours by the fence for a signature from striker Mehdi Taremi.
"I feel bad for them," Leyva told AFP. " The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada. -Israeli strikes on Iran. U.S. President Donald Trump has led to a top referee, Iranian team officials and some fans being refused entry to the United States.
"It's wrong... they treat everyone like terrorists," Leyva said. "The World Cup should have been held only in Mexico. " Lisa Arambula, a 40-year-old law student, welcomed the Iranian team with cheers.
The Iran team planned to play its final warm-up match against Puerto Rico in the United States, but the game fell through when its stay in Arizona was canceled. " Tijuana's local football club organized a friendly match on Wednesday between its under-21 team and the Iranian side. Iran won 3-0.
"It can't replace the training they had planned," Arambula said.
