FIFA approves Iran’s request to shift 2026 World Cup training base from US to Mexico

FIFA has approved Iran’s request to shift its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, with the move aimed at easing travel, visa and logistical concerns ahead of the tournament.

The decision was confirmed by Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran president Mehdi Taj, who said FIFA cleared the proposal after discussions with tournament officials in Istanbul and a subsequent virtual meeting with senior FIFA representatives.

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Iran had initially planned to establish its World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but the team will now operate from Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament scheduled to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

“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 FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved,” Taj said in a statement released by the federation.

Iranian football authorities believe relocating the camp to Mexico will help simplify operational challenges linked to travel into the United States, particularly concerning visa procedures and movement for players, staff and support personnel throughout the competition.

Taj also suggested the shift could improve travel convenience for the squad. “The team may even be able to travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights,” he said.

The federation further highlighted Tijuana’s strategic location near the US border and close proximity to California, where Iran will play two of its group-stage matches. Officials added that the new base includes complete training facilities, gym access, private dining arrangements and other infrastructure required for the national team during the tournament.

Despite relocating their training base, Iran will still play all three Group G matches in the United States. Team Melli begin their campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 15 before taking on Belgium at the same venue on June 21. Their final group-stage fixture against Egypt will be played at Lumen Field on June 26.

The decision also comes amid wider geopolitical tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. 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 2026 edition will mark Iran’s fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup appearance and seventh overall, with the nation still searching for its first-ever qualification beyond the group stage.