Iran moves its training base for the 2026 World Cup to Tijuana
Mexico will be the base home of the Iranian team in this World Cup, in the face of tension with the United States
The Iranian national team modified its preparation plans for the 2026 World Cup and will finally establish its training base in Mexico. The decision was announced by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, who explained that the change received approval from FIFA after several meetings held in recent days.
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The Asian team initially planned to settle in Tucson, Arizona, as an operational center during the tournament. However, the international context marked by the war in the Middle East and security concerns led to reconsidering that planning.
According to the statement released by the head of media relations for the Iranian federation, the new headquarters will be Tijuana, a city located in the north of Mexico and close to the border with the United States.
“All base camps of teams participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA,” Taj stated.
The leader also explained the process that allowed the transfer of the camp to be carried out.
“Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we had with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the virtual meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the respected Secretary General of FIFA, our request to change the team's base from the United States to Mexico was approved,” he added.
Iran's plan to compete in the group stage
The 2026 World Cup will be played between June 11 and July 19 in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran will face the tournament as part of Group G and will play its first phase matches on US soil.
The Iranian team will debut on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California. They will then face Belgium six days later at the same venue and will close the group stage on June 26 against Egypt in Seattle.
The Iranian federation considers that settling in Mexico will facilitate logistical and immigration issues related to the team's entry into the United States. Taj assured that the team will be able to enter the host country from Mexican territory for each of their commitments.
The leader also indicated that the team “could even travel to Mexico and return using Iran Air flights.”