Iran move World Cup base from US to Mexico with FIFA approval | World Cup 2026 News
Iran Shifts World Cup Training Camp from Arizona to Tijuana
Iran’s national football team will relocate its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, following FIFA’s approval, according to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation.
In a video statement posted on the federation’s Telegram channel, Taj confirmed the decision, explaining that the team will set up camp in the border city, which is situated close to the Pacific Ocean. “We will be based in the Tijuana camp,” he said, emphasizing its proximity to the U.S. border.
The move comes in light of potential visa complications stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict involving Iran. Taj noted that the squad can fly directly to Mexico with Iran Air, thereby streamlining their travel logistics.
Iran is scheduled to play its first two Group G matches in Los Angeles, facing New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26. “The total distance between us and the venue of our games in Los Angeles is 55 minutes by flight,” Taj explained, adding that Tijuana offers better proximity to match venues than their initially planned base in Arizona.
The Iranian team has faced significant uncertainty regarding travel and security arrangements for the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Iranian officials revealed that players and staff had not yet secured U.S. visas, just weeks ahead of the tournament. The team initiated visa applications during their recent training period in Turkey.
Taj emphasized that FIFA has been requested to provide assurances concerning visas, security, and the treatment of the Iranian delegation during the tournament.
Iran will play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 before finalizing its 26-player World Cup roster by FIFA’s June 1 deadline. The World Cup is set to take place from June 11 to July 19.
