Iran will now stay in the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after FIFA approved the team’s request to shift its training base from Arizona. The announcement was made by Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj.
In a video shared on the federation’s Telegram channel, Taj said the team chose Tijuana because it is close to both the Pacific coast and the United States border. He explained that the location is more practical for the squad, especially since Los Angeles, where some of Iran’s matches will take place, is only about a 55-minute flight away.
Iran had earlier planned to train in Arizona, but concerns over travel and security led the federation to seek a change. The issue had created uncertainty for months ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
Iran has already qualified for the expanded 48-team World Cup and will play in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. Their group-stage matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The situation became more complicated earlier this month when Canada denied entry to Mehdi Taj before the FIFA Congress. Canadian authorities reportedly linked him to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard, which Canada officially listed as a terrorist organisation in 2024.
Despite the tensions, the Iranian football federation said the national team will definitely take part in the World Cup. However, officials also stressed that the host countries must respect Iran’s culture, beliefs, and national identity during the tournament.
Taj recently said Iran has set 10 conditions for participating in the World Cup. These include quick visa approvals, respectful treatment of players and staff, proper display of Iran’s flag and national anthem, and stronger security at airports, hotels, and stadiums.
Iran had also earlier asked FIFA to move its matches outside the United States because of ongoing political tensions between Tehran and Washington.