The Iranian national football team has moved its training camp to Mexico after facing difficulties securing visas for the U.S. [2].
The relocation highlights the ongoing diplomatic tension between Tehran and Washington, as athletic preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026 are impacted by geopolitical friction.
According to reports, the team traveled by plane from Turkey to Mexico in late May [1, 3]. The move followed a period of uncertainty regarding the squad's ability to enter the U.S. to prepare for the tournament. The Iranian Football Federation had initially planned for the team to base its operations within the U.S., but those plans shifted when the U.S. government showed reluctance to host the squad [4, 2].
Mahdi Taj said on May 23, 2026, "We are ready for the World Cup, but we have not obtained the visas so far" [2]. The impasse was resolved when Mexico offered to accommodate the Iranian squad on its own soil.
Claudia Sheinbaum said that the country would allow the Iranian national team to establish its headquarters on Mexican territory during the World Cup tournament [4]. This offer provided a necessary alternative for the team to maintain its training schedule without the delays associated with U.S. entry requirements.
A spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation said the team moved its camp to Mexico after receiving the required visas [3]. The transition from Turkey to Mexico ensures the players can acclimate to the region's environment, and altitude, before the tournament begins.
The move was officially announced on May 23, 2026 [2]. The squad's arrival in Mexico marks the end of a logistical challenge that threatened to disrupt the team's preparation phase for the global event.
“"We are ready for the World Cup, but we have not obtained the visas so far"”
The relocation of Iran's training camp underscores how non-sporting diplomatic disputes can disrupt international athletics. By shifting the camp to Mexico, Iran avoids a direct confrontation with U.S. visa policies while Mexico leverages its role as a co-host of the 2026 World Cup to provide a diplomatic and logistical bridge for a sanctioned nation.
