Iran to Base 2026 World Cup Training Camp in Tijuana After FIFA Approves Move
Iran will base its World Cup training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA approved a switch from Arizona, citing visa and security concerns for the squad ahead of group matches in Los Angeles. (apnews.com)
FIFA approves relocation to Tijuana
The Iran Football Federation announced on May 23, 2026 that FIFA had approved a request to move the national team’s base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. (apnews.com)
Federation president Mehdi Taj made the announcement in a video posted to the federation’s Telegram account, saying the Tijuana site lies near the Pacific Ocean and the United States border. The federation framed the decision as logistical and safety-driven. (arabnews.com)
Visa uncertainty prompted change
Iranian officials said the relocation will help avoid visa-related complications after heightened regional tensions and related security concerns, and will allow the delegation to travel directly to Mexico on Iran Air. (uaejournal.com)
Earlier in May the federation said players and staff had not yet received U.S. visas and that the team had begun visa applications while training in Turkiye. Those delays, federation figures said, were a primary factor behind the request to move the camp. (uaejournal.com)
Proximity to match venues cited as advantage
Officials argued Tijuana offers a shorter flight time to the team’s group-stage venues in Los Angeles and Seattle, with federation president Taj noting the camp is about a 55‑minute flight from Los Angeles. Those logistics were presented as a practical reason for the switch. (washingtonpost.com)
Iran will play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26, making proximity and travel time a key consideration in planning. (washingtonpost.com)
Preparations, friendlies and squad deadline
The national team is scheduled to play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 as part of final preparations before coach Amir Ghalenoei submits a 26‑man World Cup squad by FIFA’s June 1 deadline. The federation reiterated its intention to complete administrative formalities swiftly. (uaejournal.com)
Iran’s players had been training in Turkiye and were reported to be applying for U.S. and Canadian visas there earlier in the month, a process the federation said it hoped to streamline with FIFA’s involvement. (uaejournal.com)
FIFA guarantees and diplomatic discussions
The federation said it had sought guarantees from FIFA on visas, security and the treatment of the Iranian delegation at match venues and during transit. FIFA officials have held discussions with Iranian representatives in recent weeks to address the delegation’s concerns. (thenationalnews.com)
Iran’s choice to shift its base camp underscores the role of tournament organisers and governing bodies in resolving cross‑border logistical and diplomatic issues for participating teams. Federation leaders described their interactions with FIFA as constructive but said formal assurances remained a priority. (thenationalnews.com)
Context within tournament planning
The 2026 World Cup is being co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, and has required participating teams to coordinate travel, security and accreditation across three countries. Teams near politically sensitive situations have raised unusual logistical challenges this year. (en.wikipedia.org)
Iran’s decision follows weeks of public statements about visa status and safety guarantees, and comes as tournament organisers and FIFA work to ensure all teams can arrive and compete under clear protocols. Federation officials said the move to Tijuana should reduce transit complexity while preserving the team’s competitive preparations. (uaejournal.com)
The federation said the Tijuana camp will serve as Iran’s operational hub for the opening weeks of the tournament, with final arrangements to be confirmed in coordination with FIFA and local hosts. (apnews.com)
Iran will maintain its pre‑tournament schedule while finalising travel and visa arrangements for players, staff and accompanying delegation members ahead of the team’s matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
