Iran thanks – Iran’s midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh singled out Mexico’s hospitality after Iran’s training camp was forced to relocate from Tucson to Tijuana, telling fans in Los Angeles, “muchas gracias,” following a 0-0 draw with Belgium on Sunday, June 21.
INGLEWOOD, California — Iran’s World Cup story did not start on the pitch. It began with the way it was received across the border.
After Iran was forced to relocate its training camp from Tucson. Arizona. the team has been based in Tijuana. Mexico. flying into the United States for its games. On Sunday. June 21. after Iran held Belgium to a 0-0 draw. midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh made a point of thanking the people of Mexico for welcoming the squad.
“We love Mexican people. I think everyone has the same feeling. ” Jahanbakhsh said after the draw. standing in the aftermath of a tense result that kept Iran’s knockout hopes alive. “It’s just unbelievable how welcome we are there and the hospitality there is amazing. and I think there is a really heartful feeling between the players and the team to Mexican people now.”.
He paused, then added a direct message, smiling as he put it plainly: “I would like to say, `muchas gracias,’”
The warmth has shown up in the stands. Some Tijuanans have been road-tripping to Los Angeles to support the team. During Iran’s Belgium match, fans wore caps and jerseys from Club Tijuana, where Iran is training, and many Mexico supporters appear to have adopted Iran as their No. 2 team.
“It feels kind of home when we are there in Tijuana and them coming all the way here to support us, it means a lot to us,” Jahanbakhsh said. “At least we are another four or five days there. Hopefully it’s a bit longer.”
“We really appreciate them, and hopefully we can have more good and fun times with them together.”
Iran now has its sights set on the next stretch. The team plays Egypt in the group-stage finale on Friday, June 26 in Seattle.
Iran Mexico World Cup 2026 Alireza Jahanbakhsh Belgium draw Tucson Tijuana Seattle Egypt match
So they moved camp to Tijuana and Mexico was chill about it? good for them I guess.
I’m confused though… Tucson to Tijuana because what, visas? cost? weather? Like I thought teams just practice anywhere lol. Also “muchas gracias” is nice but can they score goals
Wait is this the same Iran that people say can’t even travel right? Either way, Mexico fans adopting them is wild. I read somewhere Tucson is basically like Mexico so maybe they just drove across
This is nice and all, but I’m still stuck on the 0-0 draw with Belgium like… Iran couldn’t score at home? They’re in Tijuana “training” and getting hospitality, but then on the field it’s nothing. I dunno, seems like the story is more about feelings than winning. Also Seattle… isn’t that where it rains every day? wonder if that affects everything