FIFA has approved Iran's request to relocate its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, citing concerns over travel logistics, visa procedures, and broader geopolitical sensitivities. The decision was confirmed by Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran chief Mehdi Taj following a series of discussions with FIFA and tournament officials.

How the Decision Was Reached

Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona. The federation submitted a formal relocation request after preliminary talks with FIFA officials in Istanbul, followed by a virtual meeting with senior FIFA representatives — including the FIFA secretary general — held in Tehran.

'All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA. 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,' Taj said in a federation statement.

Why Tijuana Makes Sense Logistically

Iran will now operate its base from Tijuana, Mexico, a city situated near the US border close to San Diego. Federation officials said the location simplifies visa processes for players, coaching staff, and support personnel, while also improving travel flexibility. The new facility 'includes all training facilities, gym, private restaurant and everything else the team needs,' according to the federation.

Taj added that the team 'may even be able to travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights,' underscoring the operational appeal of the arrangement. Two of Iran's group-stage fixtures will be held in California, making Tijuana's proximity to the US particularly advantageous.

Iran's Group G Fixtures Remain in the US

Despite the training base shift, Iran will play all three of their Group G matches on US soil. They open their campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on 15 June, before facing Belgium at the same venue on 21 June. Their final group-stage match is against Egypt at Lumen Field on 26 June. The 2026 FIFA World Cup runs from 11 June to 19 July, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Geopolitical Backdrop

The base camp relocation comes against a charged political backdrop. Earlier this month, Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress, over alleged links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organisation in 2024. The incident underscored the heightened sensitivities surrounding Iran's participation in a tournament co-hosted by a country with which it has no diplomatic relations.

The upcoming tournament will mark Team Melli's fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. Iran, however, are still chasing a first-ever knockout-stage qualification — a milestone that has eluded them across six previous tournaments.

With the base camp question now resolved, Iran's football federation is expected to shift focus to final squad preparations ahead of their 15 June opener.