New Delhi: FIFA has approved Iran’s request to move its training base for the 2026 World Cup from the United States to Mexico, the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said on Saturday.
FFIRI president Mehdi Taj said the change was cleared after discussions with FIFA in Istanbul and a subsequent virtual meeting with senior FIFA officials. Iran had planned to base itself in Tucson, Arizona, but will now operate out of Tijuana during the tournament, which runs from 11 June to 19 July and is being jointly hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.
The federation said the relocation was prompted by concerns over travel logistics, visa procedures and broader geopolitical sensitivities. Tijuana, close to the US border and San Diego, would ease travel to two of Iran’s group stage fixtures in California and could simplify visa arrangements for players and staff. Taj added the team “may even be able to travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights.”
Iran will still play all its Group G matches in the United States: against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on 15 June, Belgium at the same venue on 21 June, and Egypt at Lumen Field on 26 June.
The move follows recent political tensions: Taj was reportedly denied entry to Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress amid allegations of links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, designated a terrorist organisation by Canada in 2024.
The 2026 tournament will be Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and their seventh overall; the team remains in search of a first-ever progression beyond the group stage.
(Inputs from IANS)