“I Couldn’t Believe It”: Tijuana Iranian Says Team Melli Arrival Feels Unreal | APT

Amid cheers, tension and political divides, Iran’s national football team has arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, finding an unexpected World Cup base in a city just south of the US border. While the tiny Iranian community of around 20 people remains split over identity, flags and politics, both supporters and critics of Iran’s system say they are united by one thing: backing Team Melli. From a rare Iranian restaurant displaying the pre-revolutionary flag to emotional reactions from residents who “couldn’t believe” the team’s arrival, the border city has become an unlikely backdrop for a deeper diaspora divide playing out alongside football’s biggest stage. Iranian players, meanwhile, have praised the “amazing” and welcoming atmosphere in Mexico as they prepare for their opening World Cup clash. #iran #worldcup2026 #teammelli #apt Join this channel to get access to perks:    / @apt_news