RismadarVoice Reporters, June 13, 2026
Authorities in Mexico have launched an investigation after a decomposing body was discovered inside a vehicle parked near the training ground being used by Iran’s national football team during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The remains were found in the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV located in a supermarket parking area opposite Caliente Stadium in Tijuana, where the Iranian team has been conducting training sessions ahead of its World Cup fixtures.
According to local authorities, police officers on patrol identified the abandoned vehicle and conducted an inspection, leading to the discovery of a body wrapped in a black bag. Officials indicated that the victim showed signs of violence, while preliminary findings suggest the vehicle may have been left at the location several days earlier.
Forensic specialists were deployed to the scene to examine the remains before removing the body for further investigation and identification.
The incident occurred as the World Cup continues across its three host nations Mexico, the United States and Canada drawing global attention to security concerns in some host cities.
Tijuana, a border city adjacent to the United States, has long struggled with organised crime and violence linked to drug trafficking networks. The city recorded a significant number of homicides in recent years, making it one of Mexico’s most challenging security environments.
Iran’s national team had initially planned to establish its World Cup training base in Arizona, United States, but later relocated to Mexico amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Washington and Tehran.
Since arriving in Tijuana, the team has reportedly operated under heightened security arrangements, with military personnel escorting players and officials between their hotel and training venue.
The team’s convoy reportedly departed the stadium shortly after authorities concluded operations at the scene. As of the time of reporting, there had been no official comment from Iranian team representatives regarding the incident or any potential impact on their security arrangements.
Investigations into the identity of the victim and the circumstances surrounding the death remain ongoing.
