Tehran, May 24 (V7N) – The Iranian national football team has received approval to move its base camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, according to the Iran Football Federation. British newspaper The Guardian reported the development.
Speaking on Saturday, Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said FIFA had approved the relocation of the team’s training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. However, FIFA has not yet officially commented on the matter.
Iran’s training camp was initially scheduled to be held at the Kino Sports Complex in Arizona. But due to ongoing regional tensions and security concerns linked to the Middle East conflict, discussions had been underway to change the venue.
Mehdi Taj said the base camps of all participating teams are determined with FIFA’s approval. He added that Iran’s request was accepted following meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as virtual discussions with FIFA Secretary General officials in Tehran.
According to the federation, relocating the base camp to Tijuana would help reduce visa-related complications, as the team could enter the United States through Mexico. Taj also mentioned the possibility of using Iran Air flights for travel arrangements.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament is scheduled to begin on June 11 and continue until July 19.
Iran, placed in Group G, will open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium on June 21 in the same city before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Earlier this year, reports emerged suggesting Iran’s World Cup matches could be shifted to Mexico following joint military operations by the United States and Israel in March. However, during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver last month, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that Iran’s matches would proceed in the United States as originally planned.
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