Iran’s soccer federation says team’s World Cup base camp has been moved to Mexico from the US

Iran's national soccer team will move its World Cup training base camp from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, according to Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation. The decision, which has been approved by FIFA, was made due to uncertainty surrounding the war in the Middle East and security concerns. Iran had been scheduled to train in Tucson, Arizona. The federation stated that the move to Tijuana, which is close to where Iran will play its matches in California, will also help resolve potential visa issues and allow for easier travel. FIFA has not yet confirmed the move.

Iran's national football team will relocate their World Cup 2026 training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, with approval from FIFA. The decision, announced by Iran's Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, aims to circumvent potential visa complications stemming from the US-Israel conflict. Taj stated that Tijuana offers proximity to the Pacific Ocean and the US border, and is a shorter flight to their initial match venues in Los Angeles compared to Arizona. Iran had previously expressed concerns about visa issuance and security arrangements for the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The team's first two Group G matches are scheduled for Los Angeles, followed by a game in Seattle.