Iranian football (Photo: GETTY)
FIFA has officially approved Iran’s request to move its 2026 FIFA World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, following concerns surrounding logistics, travel restrictions and visa complications.
The decision was confirmed by Mehdi Taj, President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), after a series of meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul and a confirmation webinar.Why did Iran request the transfer?According to Iranian soccer authorities, the move was primarily motivated by the practical and logistical challenges associated with operating directly from the United States during the tournament. One of the main factors behind the request was the desire to avoid potential visa and travel complications for players, staff and support staff entering the United States.By setting up camp in Tijuana, Iran can reportedly simplify travel arrangements while also taking advantage of direct flights operated by Iran Air.Tijuana’s location also provides a strategic advantage. The city is located just south of the US border near San Diego, and provides relatively quick access to the group stage stadiums for Iran’s national team in the United States. Flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take less than an hour, significantly reducing travel time compared to the team’s original training base in Tucson, Arizona.
Group stage schedule for the 2026 World Cup in IranDespite moving their base camp to Mexico, Iran will still play all of their Group G matches inside the United States:
- June 15: against the New Zealand national football team at Sophie Stadium
- June 21: Belgium national football team match at SoFi Stadium
- June 26: Facing the Egyptian national football team at Lumen Stadium
Political tensions over Iran’s participation continue
The transfer decision comes amid increasing political sensitivities surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Earlier this month, Canada denied Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj entry ahead of the FIFA congress, citing alleged ties to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, which Canada has designated as a terrorist organization in 2024.Despite the controversy, Iranian football officials insisted that the Iranian national team would compete in the tournament.The Union said in a statement carried by Al Jazeera:He added: “We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the host country must take our concerns into account.”The Union also confirmed that Iran will participate “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”
