Iran's national football team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a decision confirmed by FIFA that upends the team's original plans to stay in the United States. Despite playing all three of its group-stage matches on American soil, the Iranian squad will only cross the border into the US on matchdays, residing instead in the Mexican border city.
Logistical Shift Amid Political Tensions
The unusual arrangement stems from ongoing political frictions between Tehran and Washington, which have intensified following military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran earlier this year. Iran had initially selected a training base in Tucson, Arizona, but security concerns, diplomatic hurdles, and travel logistics forced a relocation. FIFA approved the move, listing Iran's official base camp as Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, just south of the US border.
Group Stage Schedule Unchanged
Despite the change in base, Iran's World Cup schedule remains intact. The team is in Group G and will open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and a final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. This itinerary requires repeated cross-border travel, creating one of the most complex logistical operations of any participating nation.
Mexican President Weighs In
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the relocation publicly, stating that Mexico had no objections to hosting the Iranian team. According to The Guardian, Sheinbaum said, "We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico." Her comments followed reports that US authorities were uncomfortable with Iran remaining in the country during the tournament. Neither the White House nor the US State Department immediately commented.
Visa Uncertainties Persist
While FIFA has approved the base camp, visa issues remain unresolved. Iran's delegation needs multiple-entry visas for both Mexico and the United States. Mehdi Mohammadnabi, first vice president of the Iran Football Federation, told Reuters that the team has contacted FIFA for updates. "We sent an email to FIFA today and asked them to announce the result as soon as possible... because we now need both multiple-entry Mexican visas and multiple-entry U.S. visas," he said. FIFA replied that the administrative process would likely be completed within the week.
FIFA Proposed the Mexico Solution
Mohammadnabi also revealed that the idea of relocating to Tijuana came from FIFA, not Iran. "FIFA proposed this camp, and FIFA should tell you what has happened," he noted. The federation accepted the option as the most practical solution. Despite the surprises, he emphasized that the team's focus remains on training and preparation.
Iran's World Cup Journey Continues
Iran secured qualification for a fourth consecutive World Cup by topping their Asian qualifying group. The team recently played a warm-up match against Gambia in Turkey, winning 2-0. As attention shifts from off-field issues to on-field performance, Iran aims to make an impact in Group G.
