Geopolitical tensions have prompted significant logistical adjustments for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup. According to CBS News, the Iranian national team has made the decision to relocate its training camp from the United States to Mexico.
Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, confirmed that the move followed a series of emergency meetings in Istanbul and a final webinar with FIFA Secretary-General. The international football governing body has fully endorsed the request. Initially, the team planned to establish its base in Tucson, Arizona, but ongoing uncertainties regarding the Middle East conflict and security concerns necessitated this last-minute change.
The Iranian squad will now train in Tijuana, a city located just south of San Diego, California. Taj noted that this shift effectively alleviates potential visa complications and enables the team to travel directly into the United States for their matches from Mexico.
Strategically, Tijuana’s closeness to Los Angeles will facilitate logistics for the team. During the group stage, Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in California on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and then face Egypt in Seattle on June 26.