The Iran national football team has moved its 2026 FIFA World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following approval from FIFA, the Iran Football Federation announced on May 23.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, confirmed the relocation in a statement, citing meetings with FIFA officials, including a recent webinar with FIFA Secretary General, to gain the necessary permission. As of the announcement, FIFA had not publicly confirmed the base camp change.
The team had originally planned to train at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson but shifted plans amid ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and concerns about security. The Tijuana site offers proximity to Group G match venues in California and Washington state, which include games in Inglewood against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, and in Seattle against Egypt on June 26.
Taj highlighted the advantages of the new location, stating that Tijuana’s facilities include comprehensive training amenities such as gym access and a private restaurant, meeting all team requirements. The move also aims to ease potential visa complications by allowing the team to enter the U.S. via Mexico. Taj added that players might leverage Iran Air flights for travel to and from Mexico.
Iran is participating in its seventh World Cup overall and fourth consecutive tournament. The national team has yet to advance beyond the group stage in previous competitions.
Why it matters
The decision to relocate Iran’s training base reflects growing geopolitical complexities affecting international sporting events. Security and visa concerns related to tensions between Iran and the United States have impacted logistical planning less than five weeks before the tournament’s start on June 11.
Moreover, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has consistently affirmed Iran’s participation and ability to play matches on U.S. soil despite external pressures and political statements, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to keeping the tournament inclusive amid global diplomatic challenges.
Background
The 2026 World Cup is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first tournament to span three countries. Base camps like Iran’s provide teams with essential facilities for training and preparation close to their match venues.
Tensions escalated after former U.S. President Donald Trump expressed contradictory messages regarding Iran’s participation in March 2026, welcoming the team in private meetings but raising concerns publicly on social media about player safety. Following these comments, Iran’s federation had engaged FIFA in discussions about shifting some matches or training locations.
Sources
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