The Iran World Cup 2026 training base has moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA approved the switch amid visa and security concerns.
Iran had been due to use a camp in the U.S. state of Arizona before moving its preparations to the Mexican border city, according to Iranian football officials and international reports. FIFA approved the base change, but Iran’s group matches remain scheduled in the United States.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico had no reason to deny Iran’s team the chance to stay in the country. The Associated Press reported that Mexico was coordinating with FIFA on logistics for the squad.
Iran is scheduled to play their group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The team is expected to remain in Mexico and cross the border for matchdays, according to reports.
Iranian officials had earlier raised objections to playing in the United States during the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran. FIFA has not moved the team’s group fixtures from U.S. venues.
Read: Iran World Cup Base Moved to Tijuana, FA Says
The tournament begins on June 11, 2026, and will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Iran is scheduled to begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles, according to Al Jazeera.
A separate proposal by U.S. envoy Paolo Zampolli to replace Iran with Italy was rejected by Italian officials. Italian Sports Minister Andrea Abodi said qualification must be earned “on the pitch,” while other Italian officials called the idea shameful.
