Iran has moved its training base camp for the 2026 [1] World Cup from the U.S. to Mexico.
The relocation highlights the diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington, as logistical hurdles often complicate the movement of Iranian national teams. Ensuring stable access to training facilities is critical for the squad's preparation ahead of the tournament.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), said the change occurred Saturday [1]. The team was originally scheduled to establish its base in Tucson, Arizona [1], [2]. The federation has now shifted the location to Tijuana, Mexico [1], [2].
According to the federation, the move aims to resolve potential visa issues stemming from tensions in the Middle East [3]. By basing the team in Mexico, the federation intends to allow the squad to enter the U.S. for specific matches via Mexico [3].
The FFIRI said that the change in location received approval from FIFA [1]. The move ensures the team has a secure environment for training while maintaining a geographic proximity to the tournament venues. This strategy allows the team to bypass the direct administrative challenges of a long-term stay within the U.S. borders before the competition begins.
“Iran has moved its training base camp for the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico.”
This relocation underscores how geopolitical volatility directly impacts international sports logistics. By moving the base to Mexico, Iran is utilizing a third-party country to mitigate the risk of visa denials or delays that could disrupt the team's training cycle, while still remaining in the North American region for the 2026 tournament.
