Iran moves 2026 FIFA World Cup training base from United States to Mexico after FIFA approval

Iran’s national team will now prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Arizona amid security and visa concerns.

Photo: Mohamed Farag/Getty Images

Iran will reportedly relocate its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico after receiving approval from FIFA, according to statements made by Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj.

Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup headquarters in Tucson, Arizona, as part of its preparation for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. However, growing uncertainty surrounding tensions in the Middle East and broader security concerns pushed the federation to reconsider its original setup.

The Iranian federation announced that the team’s new base camp will now be located in Tijuana, Mexico, just south of San Diego. From there, Iran plans to travel into the United States for its official group-stage matches.

Taj explained that FIFA approval was required for any modification involving World Cup team base camps. According to the federation president, discussions with FIFA officials and World Cup organizers took place in Istanbul, followed by a virtual meeting held in Tehran with FIFA representatives before the request was accepted.

Iran is scheduled to open Group G play on June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California. The team will then face Belgium on June 21 before closing the group stage against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The federation also stated that the move could help avoid potential visa and immigration complications by allowing the delegation to enter the United States only for official matches. Taj added that the team could potentially use Iran Air flights between Iran and Mexico to simplify travel arrangements during the tournament.

FIFA has not publicly confirmed the relocation at this time, but the announcement has already sparked international attention because it highlights how political tensions and security considerations are beginning to shape logistical decisions surrounding the 2026 World Cup.

Iran will be making its fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall in tournament history. The nation has never advanced beyond the group stage.