Iran will be headquartered in the border city of Tijuana during the tournament while continuing to play its group-stage matches in the United States, according to FIFA’s official list of team base camps.

Speaking at a news conference, Sheinbaum said FIFA representatives informed Mexican authorities that the United States preferred not to host the Iranian squad outside of match days, prompting discussions about alternative arrangements.

“The United States doesn’t want the Iranian national team to stay overnight in the United States,” Sheinbaum said, adding that Mexico agreed to host the team without objection when approached by FIFA.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions involving Iran following the conflict that began on Feb. 28 between Iran, Israel and the United States. Security concerns and the broader diplomatic environment had fueled uncertainty for months regarding Iran’s logistical arrangements for the tournament.

Iran’s football federation announced over the weekend that the team would relocate its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana after receiving FIFA approval. The governing body formally confirmed the change when it released the final list of training bases for all 48 participating teams.

Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand national football team in Inglewood, California, on June 15 before facing Belgium national football team on June 21 and Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which runs from June 11 through July 19, will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first tournament to be staged across three countries.

Base camps serve as teams’ operational headquarters throughout the competition, providing facilities for training, recovery and preparation between matches.
Questions surrounding Iran’s accommodation plans intensified as diplomatic tensions escalated and U.S. sanctions against Tehran complicated logistical considerations.

While the U.S. State Department said on Monday that President Donald Trump had made clear that Iran’s national team was welcome to participate in the tournament, it did not comment on where the squad would be based.

The State Department also did not address Sheinbaum’s remarks regarding U.S. preferences for the team’s off-field presence.

Sheinbaum said Mexican authorities were continuing to coordinate with FIFA on operational details ahead of the tournament, which is expected to be the largest World Cup in history following the expansion to 48 teams.

The arrangement underscores how international sporting events can be affected by broader geopolitical developments, even as organizers seek to ensure all qualified teams can participate in the competition.

Major General Avi Bluth, commander of the Israeli military’s Central Command, signed the implementing order required to enforce the legislation in the West Bank, according to Israeli media reports.

The measure follows legislation passed by the Knesset in March authorizing capital punishment for Palestinians convicted of attacks resulting in the deaths of Israeli citizens.

Under the military order, courts handling such cases must impose the death penalty as the default sentence unless judges determine that unspecified “special circumstances” justify life imprisonment instead.

Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported that provisions within the legislation make its application overwhelmingly directed at Palestinians. The law requires proof that the accused acted with intent to undermine the existence of the State of Israel or the authority of the military commander in the territory, conditions critics say are unlikely to be applied to Jewish Israeli suspects.

The legislation has prompted legal and diplomatic criticism amid heightened tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the ongoing war in Gaza Strip.
Foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, Turkiye and Egypt jointly condemned the measure, warning that it entrenched discriminatory policies against Palestinians.

In a joint statement, the countries described the law as a dangerous escalation and accused Israel of advancing practices amounting to apartheid while denying Palestinians’ rights in the occupied territories.
The ministers also cited what they called credible reports of abuses against Palestinian detainees, including torture, starvation and denial of basic rights, arguing the death penalty law risked intensifying existing tensions.

Israeli authorities have defended the legislation as a counterterrorism measure intended to deter attacks against civilians.

Shaath, 54, said in a video statement released on May 14 that French officials had initiated deportation proceedings against him on the basis that he posed a threat to public security. He said the measures formed part of what he described as a broader effort to silence Palestinian voices and supporters of the Palestinian cause in France.

France’s Interior Ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the allegations or the legal basis for the proposed deportation.
Shaath said the move followed administrative difficulties related to renewing his French residency permit despite longstanding family ties in France.

He also alleged that French authorities or associated institutions had closed his bank account and suspended his health insurance coverage, affecting his ability to travel, work and access medical care.
He said he and his family planned to challenge the proceedings in French and European courts.

Shaath helped establish the pro-Palestinian organization Urgence Palestine after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. He has been a prominent advocate of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement targeting Israel and has linked Palestinian activism with broader opposition to authoritarian governance in the Arab world.

Born to Egyptian and Palestinian parents, Shaath founded the Egyptian branch of the BDS movement in 2014. Egyptian authorities arrested him in 2019, and he remained in detention for more than two years before being released in January 2022.

Following his release, Shaath told The Associated Press that Egyptian authorities had never formally charged him. He said he was initially held in overcrowded conditions before later being isolated in a windowless detention cell.

French President Emmanuel Macron publicly welcomed Shaath’s release from Egyptian custody in 2022.

Shaath is married to a French citizen and has a French-Palestinian daughter. His case emerges as European governments face mounting tensions over balancing domestic security concerns with protections for political activism tied to the conflict in Gaza.

In its Global Hepatitis Report 2026, the United Nations health agency said hepatitis B and C, which account for 95% of hepatitis-related deaths worldwide, caused 1.34 million deaths in 2024, while more than 1.8 million new infections were recorded during the year.

WHO estimated that 287 million people were living with chronic hepatitis B or C infections in 2024, despite the availability of vaccines and highly effective treatments.“Progress is too slow and uneven,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a statement.“Many people remain undiagnosed and untreated due to stigma, weak health systems and inequitable access to care.

While we have the tools to eliminate hepatitis as a public health threat, urgent scale-up of prevention, diagnosis and treatment is needed,” he said.Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver caused by infectious viruses and other agents, often leading to severe complications including liver failure, cirrhosis and cancer.

Of the five main viral strains, hepatitis B and C are the deadliest and remain among the world’s leading infectious disease killers.The WHO said fewer than 5% of the 240 million people living with chronic hepatitis B in 2024 were receiving treatment. For hepatitis C, only 20% of infected people have been treated since 2015.

In Africa, which carries the heaviest burden of hepatitis B infections, only 17% of newborns received the recommended birth-dose vaccine in 2024, raising concerns about continued mother-to-child transmission.

Six countries China, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, South Africa and Vietnam are among the top 10 globally for deaths linked to hepatitis B and C, the report said.“Every missed diagnosis and untreated infection due to chronic viral hepatitis represents a preventable death,” said Tereza Kasaeva, director of the WHO department overseeing hepatitis programs.

The agency said proven medical tools are already available. The hepatitis B vaccine protects more than 95% of recipients from both acute and chronic infection, while long-term antiviral treatment can help prevent severe liver disease in chronic cases.

For hepatitis C, short-course curative therapies lasting eight to 12 weeks can cure more than 95% of infections, WHO said.The agency pointed to United Kingdom, Egypt, Georgia and Rwanda as examples of countries demonstrating that hepatitis can be eliminated as a public health problem through sustained policy action and financing.

“Eliminating hepatitis is not a pipedream: it’s possible with sustained political commitment, backed by reliable domestic financing,” Tedros said.Since 2015, annual new hepatitis B infections have fallen by 32%, while hepatitis C-related deaths have declined by 12%, according to WHO data.

U.S. President Donald Trump said the agreement followed mediation efforts led by Pakistan, adding he would suspend threats of military action if Iran upheld the ceasefire and ensured full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad would host talks between U.S. and Iranian delegations on Friday, describing both sides as constructively engaged. He expressed hope that the proposed “Islamabad Talks” would lead to sustainable peace.

China said it welcomed the ceasefire, with foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning stating Beijing would continue efforts to restore stability in the Middle East.Iraq’s foreign ministry also supported the development, calling for “serious and sustainable dialogue” to address underlying disputes and build trust between the parties.

Turkiye backed the planned negotiations in Islamabad and stressed the importance of full implementation of the ceasefire on the ground, while Australia thanked mediators including Pakistan, Egypt, Turkiye and Saudi Arabia for their role in de-escalation efforts.

Egypt underscored the need to respect sovereignty and territorial integrity across the region, particularly for Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan, warning against any violations that could threaten regional stability.

The United Nations welcomed the ceasefire, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urging all parties to comply with international law and uphold the terms of the agreement to pave the way for comprehensive peace.Indonesia also called for respect for sovereignty and diplomacy, while Germany’s foreign minister described the truce as a critical first step toward avoiding further escalation.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the ceasefire would bring “a moment of relief” and confirmed plans to engage Gulf partners on ensuring the permanent reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Financial markets responded positively to the announcement, with oil prices falling and global stocks rising after Iran agreed to allow safe passage through the key waterway, which carries a significant share of the world’s energy supplies.

Under a month-long order introduced last week, shops must close by 9:00 p.m. on weekdays and 10:00 p.m. on weekends, with a temporary extension to 11:00 p.m. during the Coptic Easter period. Authorities say the meaaures are necessary as rising global fuel prices drive up Egypt’s energy import bill.

Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly said the country’s monthly energy costs more than doubled between January and March to $2.5 billion, reflecting Egypt’s dependence on imported fuel to meet domestic demand.

The restrictions have sharply altered life in Cairo, a city known for its late-night economy. Streets that typically remain active into the early hours now empty soon after closing time, with police patrols enforcing compliance.Small businesses have been among the hardest hit.

Shopworker Ali Haggag said his clothing store has lost more than half its revenue since the measures took effect, as evening foot traffic a major source of sales —has been curtailed.Economists warn the impact could be widespread in Egypt’s informal sector, which accounts for roughly two-thirds of employment.

Wael el-Nahas said reduced operating hours translate directly into lower incomes for millions of workers dependent on nightly commerce.The crisis has also affected major industries. Cinema operators report steep losses as late-night screenings typically the most profitable have been eliminated.

Film producer Gaby Khoury said box office revenues have fallen by more than 60 percent, prompting delays in releases and production schedules.Tourism, a key source of foreign currency, faces similar pressures.

While high-end hotels and Nile-side venues are exempt, popular attractions in central Cairo, including markets and bazaars, must close early, limiting visitor spending.

Industry officials say the reduction of evening activity risks diminishing the city’s appeal to tourists.The curbs come alongside broader austerity measures introduced in recent weeks, including fuel price increases, reduced public lighting, and expanded remote work policies.

Authorities say the steps are needed to manage fiscal pressures as energy prices surge following the escalation of conflict involving Iran.The economic strain has coincided with currency depreciation and rising inflation.

The Egyptian pound has weakened by around 15 percent since the conflict began, while inflation reached 13.6 percent in March.

Despite the disruption, some businesses are adapting by reduction staffing hours or employing informal workarounds to continue operations. Others expressed cautious optimism that consumers will adjust to the new schedule.

The legislation, approved earlier this week, allows for capital punishment to be applied as a default sentence for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank convicted of carrying out deadly attacks against Israelis, according to official statements and media reports.

MWL Secretary-General Mohammed Al-Issa said the measure reflects continued disregard for the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people, citing concerns over what he described as repression, racial discrimination and inhumane treatment of detainees.

Under the legal framework, Palestinians in the West Bank are subject to military courts, while Israeli citizens, including Palestinian citizens of Israel, are tried in civilian courts. Critics say the structure effectively results in unequal application of the death penalty.

The MWL expressed support for similar positions taken by foreign ministers from several countries, including Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

The law has added to international scrutiny of Israel’s legal and security policies in the occupied territories, particularly regarding the treatment of Palestinians within differing judicial systems.

Speaking at the Egypt Energy Show 2026 in Cairo, Sisi said only Trump had the capacity to end the conflict in the Gulf region, appealing directly for U.S. leadership to prevent further escalation.

“I tell President Trump: nobody can stop the war in our region in the Gulf but you,” Sisi said. “Please help us stop the war. You are capable of doing so.”

Sisi warned that continued targeting of oil production facilities and refineries could trigger simultaneous supply disruptions and price surges, with consequences yet to be fully realised.

He said concerns among market observers that oil could exceed $200 a barrel were credible.“I fear that targeting energy facilities, whether production or refineries, will have very serious repercussions for the global economy and fuel prices,” he said.

The Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime chokepoint that previously handled about a fifth of global oil flows, has been disrupted amid the conflict, raising concerns over sustained supply constraints.

Beyond energy markets, Sisi highlighted risks to global food security, citing potential disruptions to fertiliser exports that could drive up agricultural costs and strain supply chains.

“Wealthy countries might be able to absorb this, but for middle-income and fragile economies, it could have a very, very severe impact on their stability,” he said.

Egypt, a longstanding recipient of U.S. military aid and Gulf financial support, has condemned Iranian attacks on Gulf Arab states while advocating diplomatic efforts to avoid a broader regional war.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said Iranian actions, including attacks on energy infrastructure and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, constituted a violation of international law and a direct threat to global energy security.

Addressing the conference virtually, he urged the international community to safeguard maritime corridors, as GCC member states Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain face ongoing drone and missile attacks.

Sisi also referenced Trump’s role in ending the Gaza war, noting that the U.S. president had been instrumental in securing a ceasefire agreement reached in Sharm el-Sheikh in November.

Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said the United States was signaling openness to negotiations while simultaneously planning military escalation, adding Tehran would not accept what he described as attempts at coercion.

His remarks came as thousands of U.S. Marines began arriving in the region, with the first contingents deployed aboard an amphibious assault ship, according to the U.S. military.

The conflict, triggered by U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on Feb. 28, has killed thousands and severely disrupted oil and liquefied natural gas supplies, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy shipments.

Foreign ministers from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Egypt met in Islamabad to discuss pathways to de-escalation, with Pakistan positioning itself as a potential intermediary between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks a day earlier with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, while Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar conducted bilateral meetings with his Turkish and Egyptian counterparts ahead of broader consultations.

Parallel military-level engagements are also underway. Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir remains in contact with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, according to a source familiar with the discussions, indicating ongoing coordination alongside diplomatic outreach.

A Turkish official said Ankara was working with partners on a proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz as part of confidence-building measures tied to a potential ceasefire.

The United States has previously outlined a 15-point ceasefire framework, including reopening the waterway and curbing Iran’s nuclear programme, though Tehran has rejected the proposal and advanced its own terms.

Despite diplomatic efforts, hostilities continued. Israel said it struck dozens of targets across Iran, including weapons production and storage facilities in Tehran, while Iranian media reported casualties from strikes on southern port infrastructure.

The conflict has expanded geographically, with Iran-linked Houthi forces launching attacks on Israel, raising concerns about renewed threats to commercial shipping routes. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, while risks are also rising around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key gateway to the Suez Canal.U.S. officials, cited by the Washington Post, said the Pentagon was preparing for the possibility of prolonged ground operations, including special operations raids and conventional troop deployments, though it remains unclear whether President Donald Trump will authorize such action.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington could achieve its objectives without deploying ground forces but emphasized the need for military flexibility.Oil prices have surged toward $100 per barrel since the conflict began, reflecting supply disruptions and heightened geopolitical risk.

Iran has allowed limited passage for Pakistani-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, permitting two ships per day, according to Pakistani officials.

The conflict is also reverberating domestically in the United States, where protests have taken place in multiple cities amid growing public opposition.

With midterm elections approaching, the war has added pressure on the administration as it weighs military escalation against diplomatic resolution.

Araqchi made the remarks during separate phone calls with his counterparts in Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan, where he stressed the need for a unified regional approach to counter rising tensions.

He said the recent actions by Washington and Tel Aviv were aimed at escalating instability and undermining regional security.

In the reported conversations, Araqchi emphasised that cooperation among neighbouring states was essential to prevent further deterioration in the security environment. Iranian state media cited him as warning that unchecked escalation could have broader implications for regional stability.

The outreach reflects Tehran’s effort to consolidate diplomatic backing among key regional actors at a time of heightened geopolitical strain.

Araqchi said that recent U.S. and Israeli actions had targeted Iranian infrastructure, characterising them as deliberate attempts to provoke confrontation. He did not specify the nature or extent of the damage in the statements carried by state media.There has been no immediate response from U.S. or Israeli officials to the claims.

Iran would continue to defend its sovereignty and security with all available means, Araqchi said, according to the report, signalling Tehran’s readiness to respond to what it views as external threats.

The remarks come amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East, where rivalries involving Iran, the United States and Israel have periodically intensified, raising concerns about broader regional fallout.