FIFA Approves Iran’s Request To Relocate World Cup Training Camp From US To Mexico

FIFA has approved Iran’s request to move its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, according to Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj.

Taj said the Iranian national team will now camp in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson, Arizona, ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although FIFA is yet to officially announce the change.

The decision follows growing security concerns surrounding tensions in the Middle East and uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking on Saturday, Taj disclosed that the approval came after meetings with FIFA officials in Istanbul, including discussions with FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom.

“We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States,” Taj said.

He explained that the new location would make travel easier for Iran’s group-stage matches, noting that flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take less than an hour compared to longer journeys from Arizona.

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The team is currently holding training sessions in Antalya, Turkey, while several players recently travelled to the US embassy in Ankara to process visa applications for the tournament.

Earlier this month, Taj revealed that Iranian players were still awaiting visa approvals. The federation has also reportedly submitted a list of conditions to FIFA, including entry clearance for players, coaches and officials who previously completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had earlier stated that Iran’s players would be allowed into the tournament, though individuals linked to the IRGC could face travel restrictions.