Iran’s national football team has moved its 2026 FIFA World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, amid ongoing logistical and security complications linked to travel and visa arrangements for the tournament.
The team will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico, after approval from FIFA, replacing its originally planned camp in Tucson, Arizona. The relocation is intended to ease travel logistics and avoid potential visa-related difficulties for players and staff entering the United States during the tournament period.
Despite the change in training base, Iran is still expected to play its group-stage matches inside the United States, including fixtures in cities such as Los Angeles and Seattle.
Officials involved in the arrangement say the Mexico base is primarily a practical workaround, as Tijuana’s proximity to U.S. venues allows easier cross-border movement while keeping the team outside the United States for most of its preparation period.
Iran had reportedly raised concerns earlier over visa processing and security conditions, prompting discussions with FIFA and host authorities. However, no official decision has been made to relocate Iran’s actual match venues away from the United States.