FIFA approves Iran's request to train in Mexico for World Cup

Iran's national football team is relocating its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after football's governing body, FIFA, approved the request. The team had initially planned to train in Tucson, Arizona.

Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran's football federation, announced the decision, stating that the move was necessary due to "problems encountered in obtaining visas" in the United States. "Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials… our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico… was accepted by FIFA," Taj said in a video shared by Fars news agency.

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Fortunately, thanks to the meetings we had with FIFA officials… our request to change countries from the United States to Mexico, due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, was accepted by FIFA.

The team will now be based in Tijuana, a city on the border between Mexico and the United States. Taj highlighted that this location offers advantages, including the ability to use Iran Air flights for direct travel to Mexico. "We have actually completed the team building there," he added.

The 2026 World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, which, along with Israel, began bombing Iran on February 28, sparking a wider conflict in the Middle East. The relocation avoids potential complications related to the ongoing geopolitical tensions and visa issues.

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We will therefore be based in Tijuana, near the Pacific Ocean. It is a city that lies between Mexico and the US, but it is located in Mexico. We have actually completed the team building there.