Iran's National Football Team to Train in Tijuana for FIFA World Cup 2026

In a significant move, Iran's national football team has relocated its training base to Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Club Tijuana expressed pride in hosting the team, emphasizing the city's welcoming spirit and passion for sports. While based in Tijuana, Iran will still play all its group-stage matches in the United States. This decision highlights the region's readiness to showcase its culture and hospitality during the tournament, which will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Discover more about this exciting development and the match schedule.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 13:33 IST

Iran's Training Base Moves to Mexico

The local football club, Club Tijuana, has announced its excitement about hosting Iran's national football team during the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. This decision comes as Iran shifts its training base from the United States to Mexico due to ongoing geopolitical issues. The Iranian team will be based in Tijuana, which is located close to the US border, while they participate in matches across the United States during the tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19.

Club Tijuana Expresses Pride in Hosting Iran

In a statement shared on X, Club Tijuana expressed its pride in being chosen as the base camp for the Iranian national team during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The club highlighted Tijuana's welcoming nature, hospitality, and enthusiasm for sports. The translated statement reads, "We are honored to announce that FIFA has designated Tijuana as the base for the Iranian National Team. Our city is known for its friendliness and hospitality, embracing the world through its culture and sports passion."

Baja California Ready for Global Spotlight

Club Tijuana emphasized that both the state of Baja California and the city of Tijuana are prepared to welcome visitors during the FIFA World Cup 2026. They aim to showcase the region's rich culture and hospitality, enhancing its international reputation on and off the football field. The statement further noted, "The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring life to Baja California, and we are eager to share our border region's essence and demonstrate why Tijuana is a global benchmark in sports."

Iran's Match Schedule Remains Unchanged

Despite the change in training location, Iran will continue to play all three of their group-stage matches in the United States. The team is set to compete against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, and finally facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.