Iran to Base 2026 World Cup Operations in Mexico After FIFA Approval

Iran's national football team will establish its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, for the 2026 World Cup, a move that has received approval from FIFA. This relocation shifts the team's operational hub from Tucson, Arizona, to a site just south of San Diego.

The change was announced by Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of Iran, who stated that the decision was made following requests and meetings with FIFA officials. While FIFA has not yet officially confirmed the relocation, Taj expressed confidence that the request was granted after a recent webinar with the FIFA General Secretary. The federation indicated that basing in Mexico could resolve potential visa problems, as the team would enter the United States via Mexico.

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All the base camps of the participating teams in the World Cup must have FIFA's approval. Fortunately, after the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and with World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the respected Secretary General of FIFA, our request to change the team's base from the United States to Mexico was approved.

Security concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East were cited as a factor in the potential shift. Iran is scheduled to play its Group G matches in California against New Zealand on June 15, Belgium six days later, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. The team may also utilize flights from Iran Air for travel to and from Mexico.

This marks Iran's seventh World Cup appearance and fourth in a row. The team, known as "Team Melli," has historically struggled to advance beyond the group stage, never having progressed further in their previous seven participations.

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It could even travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights.