Iran Shift World Cup Base Camp To Mexico After FIFA Approval
Iran have officially relocated their 2026 FIFA World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico after securing approval from FIFA, in a major logistical breakthrough aimed at avoiding visa complications ahead of the tournament.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that after several high-level meetings with FIFA officials, Team Melli’s base camp has been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. The decision is expected to ease travel restrictions by ensuring the Iranian delegation only enters the United States for matchdays before immediately returning to Mexico.
The switch is viewed as a practical solution to ongoing visa concerns that had cast uncertainty over Iran’s preparations for the tournament. With Tijuana located just across the U.S.-Mexico border, the new setup allows Iran to remain close to their Group G fixtures while avoiding prolonged stays on American soil.
Tijuana’s strategic location also offers a significant travel advantage. The Mexican city is just a 55-minute flight from Los Angeles, where Iran will play two of their group-stage matches, making it an ideal operational base. While Iran’s final group fixture in Seattle still requires longer travel, federation officials believe the distance is comparable to what the team would have faced from Tucson.
Beyond logistics, the facilities in Tijuana reportedly meet all FIFA standards, with access to high-quality training pitches, fitness infrastructure, private dining, and accommodation tailored for elite tournament preparation.
Iran are also exploring the possibility of using Iran Air for direct travel to match venues in Los Angeles and Seattle, further streamlining transportation plans during the competition.
The move represents a significant diplomatic and sporting compromise, ensuring Iran can focus fully on their World Cup campaign without the distraction of travel and immigration uncertainty.
Team Melli will begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
