Iran Moves World Cup Training Base from U.S. to Mexico

The president of the Iranian Soccer Federation announced that Iran’s national soccer team will change its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico. This decision received approval from FIFA, although the organization has not yet confirmed it officially.

Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, released this information in a statement. Originally, the team had planned to train in Tucson, Arizona. However, concerns over the ongoing conflict in the Middle East and security issues influenced the decision to relocate. Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex officials declined to comment on this matter.

The Iranian team will now train in Tijuana, Mexico, located just south of San Diego. The World Cup, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, will be co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Taj stated that after meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul and Tehran, FIFA approved the change of Iran’s training base from the U.S. to Mexico.

Iran is part of Group G and will play matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a match against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, Washington. The federation highlighted Tijuana’s proximity to Inglewood, noting that the location provides all necessary facilities, including training grounds, a gym, and a private restaurant.

This will be Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall, though the team has never advanced beyond the first round. The move aims to mitigate potential visa complications by allowing team members to enter the U.S. through Mexico. Taj also mentioned the possibility of using Iran Air flights for transport between the countries.