Iranian football players from Esteghlal, Persepolis, and Zob Ahan honored Guillermo Alejandro Puente Ordorica, the Ambassador of Mexico to Iran, in recognition of Mexico’s hospitality toward Iran’s national football team during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The event took place on June 27 at Hadish Mall in Tehran, where the ambassador was presented with a signed Iran national team jersey by players Aref Gholami, Mohammad Khodabandelou, and Shayan Mosleh, captain of Zob Ahan.

Ambassador Puente Ordorica attended the gathering alongside his family and members of the diplomatic community, including José Rafael Silva Aponte, ambassador of Venezuela, and Ramón Alberto Moncada Colindres, ambassador of Nicaragua. The group watched the Group G match between Iran and Belgium, which was noted for its competitive and entertaining nature.

The event drew a mix of sports figures, cultural personalities, and Iranian football supporters, reflecting a friendly atmosphere centered on celebrating Iran’s performance at the tournament. In his role as Dean of the Latin American Ambassadors’ Group, Puente Ordorica engaged with fans after the match, emphasizing the importance of sports as a means of fostering international friendship and cultural ties.

The gesture underscored the warm welcome and support extended by the Mexican government and its people to Iran’s national team, known as Team Melli, throughout the World Cup competition. The gathering highlighted how sporting events can serve as platforms for cultural exchange and diplomacy, strengthening relationships between nations beyond the field of play.