Iran World Cup Captain Reveals Details of Mexican Cartel Robbery Incident

June 12, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Iran World Cup Captain Reveals Details of Mexican Cartel Robbery Incident

Iran World Cup Captain Shares Incident Involving Mexican Cartel

Alireza Jahanbakhsh, captain of Iran’s national football team, has shared an incident involving a robbery in Mexico during a previous trip to the country. The incident occurred while Jahanbakhsh and a friend were traveling together.

According to Jahanbakhsh, they were approached by masked individuals who demanded their belongings. However, when the robbers discovered that Jahanbakhsh and his companion were Iranian nationals, they reportedly let them off with minimal consequences.

Jahanbakhsh made this revelation while speaking about his experiences in Mexico as part of Iran’s World Cup preparations. The team is currently based in Tijuana, where they are settling into their camp ahead of the tournament.

It has been reported that Jahanbkhsh and his friend were targeted by a Mexican cartel during their visit to the country. However, the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remain unclear.

Jahanbakhsh’s account provides insight into the experiences of Iranian nationals in Mexico, where cartels are known to operate. The incident highlights the potential risks faced by foreign visitors in the region.

The Iranian football team is set to compete in the upcoming World Cup tournament, with Jahanbkhsh leading his teammates as captain.

Source: Al Jazeera