World Cup: Iran Relocates Training Camp to Mexico Over US Visa Issues

The Iranian national football team delegation has announced the relocation of its training camp for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals to Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson, United States. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Monday that her country had agreed "without issue" to host the team. This move aims to circumvent complexities related to entry visas and avoid US reservations about the Iranian team staying on its territory during the preparation period.

Sheinbaum clarified the context that led to this change, stating: "The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay on its territory, so they asked us if they could settle in Mexico, and we answered yes without a problem." The Iranian national team, known as "Team Melli," is scheduled to play its three group stage matches within US territory, while Mexican authorities are currently finalizing logistical arrangements with FIFA to ensure the new headquarters is ready to receive the delegation.

Mehdi Taj, President of the Iranian Football Federation, stated that choosing Tijuana offers tangible competitive advantages, particularly concerning travel for matches in Los Angeles. Taj said: "The flight from the new headquarters takes only 55 minutes, which is a significant advantage compared to Tucson in Arizona. Thanks to this step, the visa problem will be largely resolved," referring to the logistical benefits of being close to the US-Mexico border.

These arrangements come at a time when diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington have been continuously severed since 1980, impacting the sports arrangements for the anticipated global tournament. The Iranian national team is expected to begin its campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, where the team seeks to overcome political pressures and focus on the technical aspects, following a period of uncertainty surrounding its participation due to recent regional tensions in February.