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Iran shifts World Cup base to Mexico after FIFA approval
Iran's national football team will move its 2026 World Cup training camp from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following FIFA's approval, the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj announced on Sunday. The decision comes amid heightened security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Why the change?
Iran was initially assigned Tucson, Arizona, as its base camp for the tournament, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. However, Taj cited security risks and logistical challenges as key factors behind the request to relocate. FIFA has reportedly approved the switch, though the governing body has yet to issue an official confirmation.
"All team base camps must be approved by FIFA," Taj stated. "After meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul and a webinar with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, our request to move from the U.S. to Mexico was granted."
Tijuana chosen for proximity to match venues
The Iranian team will now train in Tijuana, a Mexican border city near the Pacific Ocean. Taj emphasized the logistical advantages, noting that flights to Los Angeles-where Iran will face New Zealand (June 15) and Belgium (June 21)-will take just 55 minutes, compared to longer travel times from Tucson.
The squad's final group-stage match against Egypt is scheduled for June 26 in Seattle.
Visa delays and political hurdles
Despite the camp relocation, Iran's participation remains uncertain due to ongoing visa complications. Taj revealed earlier this month that players and staff were still awaiting visas for the tournament, which kicks off on June 11.
The FFIRI has submitted a list of 10 conditions to FIFA, including guarantees that players, coaches, and officials with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) will be granted entry. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that Iranian players are welcome, but individuals linked to the IRGC may face restrictions.
Taj himself was denied entry to Canada in April ahead of FIFA's annual congress in Vancouver, with Canadian authorities citing his alleged IRGC connections. On Thursday, some squad members applied for U.S. visas at the American embassy in Ankara.
Preparations underway in Turkey
While visa and base camp issues persist, Iran is currently training in Antalya, southern Turkey, ahead of the tournament. The team's participation hinges on resolving diplomatic and logistical challenges in the coming weeks.
FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment from BBC Sport.
