Iran's national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, June 7, 2026 [1], to begin training for the FIFA World Cup.
The move highlights the geopolitical tensions that can disrupt international sports, as diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington forced a last-minute change in logistics for the squad.
The team is now utilizing a base camp near the Pacific coast, located just across the border from the United States. This location serves as the primary preparation site for the team before they enter the tournament. A spokesperson for the Iran Football Federation said, "We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific ..." [2].
FIFA approved the switch to Mexico on May 23, 2026 [3]. The team had originally planned to establish its base in Tucson, Arizona. However, U.S. visa restrictions prevented several Iranian officials from obtaining the necessary travel documents to enter the country.
Despite the training base being located in Mexico, the team must still navigate travel into the U.S. for competition. Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches on U.S. soil [4]. The shift to Tijuana allows the team to maintain a proximity to their match venues while avoiding the administrative hurdles of a permanent U.S.-based camp.
The arrival on June 7 marks the first time the squad has trained at the new facility [1]. The team will remain in Tijuana to finalize their tactical preparations and acclimate to the region's environment before the tournament officially begins.
“Iran's national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, June 7, 2026”
The relocation of Iran's base camp underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing international athletic competition with restrictive national security and visa policies. By moving the camp to Mexico, FIFA and the Iranian federation found a logistical workaround that ensures the team can compete in the U.S. while accommodating officials who cannot secure American visas.
