Iran's national football team has officially relocated its 2026 World Cup training camp from Tucson, Arizona, US, to Tijuana, Mexico. The Iran Football Federation made this decision due to security concerns stemming from the Middle East conflict. The new Mexican site is approximately 680 km from the original US location.

The Iran national team arrived in Turkey on 18/5 as part of their preparations for the 2026 World Cup. Photo: AP

This relocation offers significant logistical advantages for match travel. Iran will play its first two Group G matches of the 2026 World Cup against New Zealand (15/6) and Belgium (21/6) in Inglewood, approximately 225 km from Tijuana. Their final group stage match against Egypt (26/6) in Seattle, though 2,045 km from Tijuana, is still a shorter journey than the 2,466 km trip from Tucson. Additionally, entering the US through Mexico could help Iran avoid potential visa complications. The 2026 World Cup is scheduled from 11/6 to 19/7 across the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The decision follows heightened tensions between the US and Iran. When the two nations clashed in the Middle East on 28/2, Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup became a point of discussion. US President Donald Trump had initially welcomed Iran, but later advised against their attendance due to escalating security concerns. While FIFA President Gianni Infantino consistently affirmed Iran's participation, many of Tehran's demands, especially concerning visas, border control, and security, fell outside FIFA's jurisdiction and under the US government's authority. Despite these challenges, Iran chose to send its representatives.

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iran Football Federation, confirmed FIFA's approval for the change. "All national team training camps for the World Cup must receive FIFA approval," Taj stated. "Fortunately, after submitting our requests and conducting meetings, the relocation from the US to Mexico has been approved."

This marks Iran's fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and its seventh overall. The team has not yet advanced beyond the group stage in previous tournaments.

Thanh Quy (according to ESPN)