During the 2026 World Cup, hundreds of Mexican soccer fans have thrown their support behind the Iranian national team at SoFi Stadium. Despite the teams having no direct connection, fans like 35-year-old Alan Romero traveled from Tijuana to Los Angeles to cheer for Iran in their match against Belgium. The solidarity stems from recent controversies surrounding the Iranian squad, including visa denials and logistical hurdles that forced them to relocate their training base from Tucson to Tijuana.
The atmosphere in Los Angeles has been uniquely supportive, with fans rallying for the team despite complex geopolitical tensions and mixed reactions from the local Iranian diaspora. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi expressed gratitude for the backing, noting that the enthusiasm of Mexican fans provides a significant boost. For many supporters, such as 24-year-old Nikkole Martinez, the choice to back Iran is rooted in a sense of fairness. Fans argued that the squad is being unfairly penalized by administrative obstacles compared to opponents like Belgium.
As the tournament progresses, the connection between these two disparate groups of fans has grown, fueled by a shared desire to see the Iranian players compete on a level playing field. Supporters emphasize that their backing is directed toward the athletes, regardless of the politics surrounding the Iranian government. By cheering for the underdog, Mexican fans feel they are standing up against the perceived inequity faced by the Iranian team during their stay in the United States.
