2026 World Cup: Corpse found in car outside stadium where Iran team trains

A grim discovery was made near the training grounds of Iran's national football team in Tijuana, Mexico, when a decomposing body was found in the trunk of a car. The vehicle was parked in a supermarket lot directly opposite the Caliente Stadium, where the team has been conducting its World Cup preparations.

Journalists from AFP observed forensic specialists examining the gray Toyota SUV, which had been emitting a strong odor. Police had opened the car after a surveillance patrol discovered the body. According to a preliminary report from the Tijuana prosecutor's office, the body was found wrapped in a black bag in the rear of the trunk, showing signs of violence.

The car had reportedly been parked in the location since Wednesday. Tijuana, situated in northwestern Mexico, is frequently cited as one of the country's most dangerous cities, with official statistics recording over 1,200 homicides in 2025.

The Iranian team, known as 'Team Melli,' has been training in Tijuana due to geopolitical tensions that led them to relocate their base camp from Tucson, Arizona. Their presence in the border city has been accompanied by a significant security detail, with heavily armed national guard vehicles escorting the team bus to and from the stadium daily. The discovery occurred just minutes before the team's convoy departed the stadium on Friday.

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Inspecting the vehicle, it was noted, in the rear of the trunk, the presence of a person wrapped in a black bag, showing signs of violence.