New Delhi, May 24: FIFA has granted Iran’s request to move its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico. This decision comes amid growing concerns regarding travel difficulties, visa processes, and geopolitical sensitivities associated with the tournament.
The announcement was made by Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran. He confirmed that the request was approved following discussions with FIFA and tournament officials in Istanbul, as well as a follow-up virtual meeting with senior FIFA representatives.
In a statement, Taj said, “It is essential for all team base camps of participating countries to receive FIFA’s approval. Fortunately, after our meetings in Istanbul and a webinar with FIFA’s esteemed Secretary-General in Tehran, our request to shift the team base from the United States to Mexico has been approved.”
Taj further noted that the team could utilize Iran Air flights for travel to and from Mexico.
Iranian football officials believe that this change will alleviate operational challenges related to entering and traveling within the United States during the competition. Federation officials indicated that establishing a camp in Tijuana could simplify visa processes for players, coaching staff, and support personnel, while also providing greater travel flexibility.
The federation emphasized the geographical advantages of Tijuana. Located near the U.S. border and close to San Diego, the city facilitates access to Iran’s group-stage matches, two of which will be played in California. The federation stated that the new base will have all necessary training facilities, gyms, private restaurants, and everything the team requires.
This decision comes at a time of heightened political tension regarding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Earlier this month, Taj was reportedly denied entry to Canada before the FIFA Congress, allegedly due to his connections with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.
Despite the change in training base, Iran will play all its Group G matches in the United States. The team will kick off its campaign on June 15 against New Zealand at Sofi Stadium, followed by a match against Belgium six days later at the same venue. Their final group-stage match will be against Egypt on June 26 at Lumen Field.
Iran had initially planned to set its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, but will now operate from Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
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