FIFA approves Iran’s relocation of World Cup training base to Mexico
The decision allows the squad to fly directly to Mexico via Iran Air, avoiding entry into the United States where players and staff have not yet received visas.
FIFA has granted Iran’s request to relocate its 2026 World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico. The approval resolves months of uncertainty regarding the team’s travel logistics and security arrangements ahead of the tournament, which is co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj announced the decision in a video posted to the federation’s Telegram account on Saturday. He stated that the relocation to the Mexican border city, situated near the Pacific Ocean, was necessary to avoid visa-related complications following what he described as the "US-Israel war on Iran." The move also permits the squad to fly directly to Mexico using Iran Air, bypassing the need for entry into the United States.
The decision addresses critical operational risks that had persisted for months. Iranian officials had previously sought guarantees from FIFA regarding visas, security, and the treatment of the delegation. As of this month, players and staff had not yet received US visas, despite beginning applications during a pre-tournament training stay in Turkiye. Less than a month before the tournament’s start, the lack of clearance had created significant uncertainty for the team’s preparations.
Under the new arrangement, Iran will establish its base in Tijuana, which offers a shorter travel distance to its initial match venues than the original Arizona plan. The team will play its first two Group G matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. Taj noted that the flight distance from Tijuana to the Los Angeles venues is approximately 55 minutes. The squad will then travel to Seattle for its final group match against Egypt on June 26.
With the logistical framework now settled, the focus shifts to squad selection. Iran is scheduled to play a friendly match against Gambia on May 29. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei is required to submit his final 26-man World Cup squad to FIFA by the June 1 deadline. The 2026 World Cup is set to run from June 11 to July 19.
