Iran’s national soccer team will no longer train in the United States during next month’s World Cup. The Iran Football Federation confirmed Saturday that the team’s base camp has been relocated from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, following approval from FIFA. The decision comes amid security concerns and logistical challenges related to ongoing tensions in the Middle East. Federation president Mehdi Taj announced the move through the organization’s media relations office, stating that all necessary approvals from FIFA and World Cup officials have been secured.
The original plan had Iran training at Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex throughout the tournament. Officials at the facility declined to comment on the situation. The relocation marks a significant change for Team Melli as they prepare for their fourth consecutive World Cup appearance, though the squad has never advanced beyond the group stage in any previous tournament.
FIFA approves Mexico relocation after federation requests
Mehdi Taj detailed the approval process in his official statement, explaining that the federation submitted multiple requests to FIFA over recent weeks. “All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA,” Taj said. “Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”
The federation emphasized that the new Tijuana location offers complete training infrastructure necessary for World Cup preparation. According to the official statement, the facility includes dedicated training fields, a full-service gym, a private restaurant exclusively for the team, and all additional amenities required for optimal performance during the competition.
Strategic location benefits team schedule in California and Washington
Iran faces a demanding Group G schedule with matches at two different venues across the western United States. The team opens against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, followed by a June 21 match against Belgium at the same venue. Their final group stage game takes place June 26 in Seattle against Egypt. The federation highlighted that Tijuana’s proximity to the Los Angeles metropolitan area provides significant advantages for the team’s first two matches, reducing travel time and maintaining training consistency.
The Iranian squad will need to cross into the United States multiple times throughout the tournament. The federation stated that establishing the base in Mexico resolves potential visa complications that could have emerged with a U.S.-based camp. Team members will enter the country through Mexico for each match day, streamlining immigration procedures and reducing bureaucratic delays.
Iran Air flights may transport team directly to Mexico
Transportation logistics played a role in the relocation decision. Taj indicated that housing the team in Mexico “may even enable travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights.” This represents a potential advantage over a U.S.-based camp, where direct flights from Iran might face additional restrictions or complications. The ability to use the national carrier could provide greater flexibility in team movements and reduce dependency on connecting flights through third countries.
The World Cup features three host nations for the first time in tournament history. The United States, Canada, and Mexico are sharing hosting duties across 16 cities. The opening match takes place June 11, with the tournament concluding July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Participating nations have been finalizing base camp selections throughout recent months, with most teams choosing locations close to their group stage venues.
Team Melli seeks historic breakthrough in fourth consecutive World Cup
Iran qualified for the tournament with strong performances in Asian qualifying rounds. The team carries high expectations from supporters despite never reaching the knockout rounds in previous World Cup appearances. Their Group G opponents present varied challenges, with Belgium ranked among tournament favorites, Egypt bringing African championship experience, and New Zealand representing Oceania confederation.
The group stage schedule concentrates Iran’s matches within an eleven-day span. This compressed timeline makes training base location particularly important for recovery and preparation between games. The federation expressed confidence that the Tijuana facilities will provide the necessary environment for the team to compete at their highest level throughout the tournament.
- June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- June 21: Iran vs. Belgium at SoFi Stadium, Inglewood, California
- June 26: Iran vs. Egypt in Seattle, Washington
Security considerations factored into the relocation discussions, though neither FIFA nor the Iran Football Federation provided specific details about threats or concerns. The uncertainty surrounding regional conflicts in the Middle East has created additional scrutiny for several participating nations with political tensions affecting their World Cup preparations. Federation officials worked closely with FIFA security personnel to evaluate all options before settling on the Mexico base camp.
World Cup preparation enters final phase across host countries
Teams from 48 nations are completing final arrangements before the tournament begins. Base camps serve as headquarters where squads train, recover, and prepare between matches throughout the competition. FIFA requires approval for all base camp locations to ensure they meet specific standards for facilities, security, and accessibility to match venues. The governing body has not immediately confirmed details of Iran’s relocation beyond acknowledging the federation’s announcement.
The expanded 48-team format debuts at this World Cup, adding logistical complexity for participating nations. Teams face longer travel distances between venues compared to previous single-host tournaments. Many federations selected base camps based primarily on proximity to group stage match locations, attempting to minimize travel fatigue during the critical opening phase. Iran’s decision to relocate reflects ongoing adjustments as teams balance multiple factors including security, logistics, and competitive preparation in the weeks before kickoff.