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The Iran national football team has shifted their 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico after approval from FIFA.
The head of Iran’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, announced the decision on Saturday, saying the team will now be based in Tijuana, a border city between Mexico and the United States.
According to Taj, the request to relocate was approved due to difficulties in securing visas for the United States.
“Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials… our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico, due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, was accepted by FIFA,” he said.
He added that the team had already completed arrangements for their stay in Tijuana, describing it as a suitable base for training 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 US, but it is located in Mexico. We have actually completed the team building there,” Taj stated.
He further noted that the relocation would allow the squad to avoid logistical and visa-related complications, with plans in place to use Iran Air flights for travel.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, marking the first time three countries will co-host the competition.
Iran’s adjustment comes amid broader geopolitical tensions involving travel restrictions and regional conflicts that have complicated international sporting logistics.
