RismadarVoice Reporters, May 23, 2026
Iran’s national football team will now use Mexico as its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA approved a request to move preparations from the United States.
The President of Iran’s Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, disclosed that the team will camp in Tijuana, a Mexican city located close to the US border, instead of Tucson, Arizona, which had initially been selected.
According to Taj, the decision followed discussions with FIFA officials and was largely influenced by challenges related to obtaining visas.
He explained that relocating to Mexico would reduce travel and administrative difficulties while allowing the team easier access for movement and logistics.
Taj added that preparations for the team’s camp in Tijuana had already been completed, noting that the location would still provide proximity to the United States while avoiding immigration complications.
The move comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions involving Iran and the United States, with the 2026 World Cup set to be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite the location change, Iran remains confirmed as one of the participating nations for the tournament.
