Iran's national football team has relocated its 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup training camp from the U.S. to Mexico.
The move highlights the persistent diplomatic friction between Tehran and Washington. By shifting the base, the Iran Football Federation seeks to prevent administrative hurdles from disrupting the team's athletic preparation during a high-stakes tournament cycle.
According to the federation, the team shifted its base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico [2]. The decision was made to sidestep immigration issues and political tensions that often complicate travel for Iranian nationals entering the U.S. [3].
"We have received FIFA's approval to move our training camp to Mexico," said Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation [4].
Officials said that the relocation ensures the squad can focus on its training without the uncertainty of visa delays. "The decision was taken to avoid visa problems and ensure the players can focus on preparation," a federation spokesperson said [5].
FIFA has formally sanctioned the change in location. "Our priority is the team's preparation, and Mexico offers a practical solution," a FIFA representative said [6].
The announcement of the relocation occurred between May 23 [7] and May 24, 2026 [8]. The shift allows the team to remain within the North American region — providing a similar climate to the tournament hosts — while avoiding the legal complexities of U.S. entry requirements.
“"We have received FIFA's approval to move our training camp to Mexico,"”
This relocation underscores how geopolitical tensions continue to impact international sports. While the 2026 World Cup is hosted across North America, the inability of the Iranian team to maintain a base in the U.S. demonstrates that diplomatic disputes over visas and immigration often override the logistical preferences of athletic federations.
