Iran will conduct its preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from a new base camp in Mexico after FIFA approved the country's request to shift its training base from the United States to Tijuana. The Iranian team had initially planned to establish its World Cup training base in Tucson, Arizona, but will now prepare from the Mexican border city ahead of the tournament.
The decision comes amid continuing concerns related to political tensions between the United States and Iran, as well as travel restrictions and visa procedures. Iranian football officials said the relocation would provide greater logistical and administrative convenience for players, coaching staff and support personnel.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said the approval was granted after meetings with FIFA officials and World Cup organisers in Istanbul, followed by virtual discussions. He stated that all participating teams require FIFA approval for their World Cup base camps and that Iran’s formal request had now been accepted.
Tijuana was selected as the new base because of its proximity to the United States border and easier access to stadiums in California. Iran is scheduled to play two of its Group G matches in California, making the location a more practical logistical option.
According to the Iran Football Federation, the team will have access to modern training grounds, gym facilities, private dining arrangements and recovery infrastructure in Tijuana. Officials added that the squad would be able to travel conveniently to match venues in the United States while remaining based in Mexico.
Despite the relocation of the base camp, all of Iran’s group-stage matches will still be played in the United States. Iran will open its Group G campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium before facing Belgium at the same venue. The team’s final group-stage fixture against Egypt will take place at Lumen Field.
The base camp decision has also drawn attention because of wider geopolitical developments surrounding Iran’s participation in international sporting events. Recent reports indicated that Canada had denied entry to Mehdi Taj for the FIFA Congress. The issue followed Canada’s 2024 designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organisation.
Analysts believe the development reflects the growing influence of international politics and diplomacy on global sporting events. Iran’s decision to relocate its World Cup base from the United States to Mexico is being viewed as part of that broader trend.
Iran will appear in its fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup and seventh overall tournament in 2026. The national team has yet to qualify for the knockout stage in any previous appearance.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico and will feature 48 teams for the first time in tournament history. The competition is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Officials and analysts have noted that security concerns, visa management, international political tensions and travel coordination are becoming increasingly significant challenges for FIFA and the host nations as preparations continue for the expanded tournament.
