Mexico adopts Iran as its second team at World Cup 2026

Mexico has found an unexpected second team at this World Cup: Iran. Across the host nation, fans have adopted Team Melli as their own during the tournament, a wave of support that caught even Iranian supporters by surprise (1). Chants, shared scarves, and social media posts have turned the connection into one of the quieter but more genuine stories of the group stage. No player or tactical link explains it, just a spontaneous, organic bond between two fanbases meeting on Mexican soil.