Iran Move World Cup Training Base to Mexico After FIFA Approval
Iran will now hold their training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico after FIFA approved the country’s request to move its base from Tucson, Arizona.
The president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, confirmed the development on Saturday in a video shared by the Fars news agency.
According to Taj, the national team will now be based in Tijuana, a Mexican city located near the United States border and along the Pacific coast.
“Fortunately, following meetings we had with FIFA officials, our request to move from the United States to Mexico because of difficulties encountered in obtaining visas was approved,” Taj said.
He explained that the relocation would help the team avoid visa-related complications ahead of the tournament.
“We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean. It is a city that lies between Mexico and the United States, but it is located in Mexico. We have already completed arrangements for the team there,” he added.
Taj also noted that the new location would make travel easier for the squad, as Iran Air flights would be able to operate directly to Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The decision comes amid heightened tensions in the Middle East following the conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel, which has complicated travel and diplomatic processes for Iranian officials and athletes.
