Iran Shifts FIFA World Cup Training Camp to Mexico Amid Visa Concerns

Iran's Training Camp Relocation Approved by FIFA

FIFA has granted Iran's request to move its football team's training camp from Arizona, USA, to Tijuana, Mexico. This decision comes in response to various logistical challenges, travel restrictions, and visa issues. Mehdi Taj, the President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), confirmed this change following discussions with FIFA officials in Iran and a subsequent confirmation webinar.

According to Iranian football authorities, the relocation aims to mitigate visa complications for players, staff, and support personnel entering the United States. By establishing their training base in Mexico, Iran can streamline travel logistics, including a direct flight from Iran to Tijuana. This new location also benefits the Iranian team by shortening travel times to venues for their group stage matches, as flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles are quicker than those from Arizona.

Iran's FIFA World Cup Group Schedule

Iran will commence its FIFA World Cup journey in Group G with a match against New Zealand on June 15. Following that, they will face Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26. The matches against New Zealand and Belgium are set to take place at SoFi Stadium, while the game against Egypt will occur at Lumen Field.

The relocation comes amid ongoing speculation regarding Iran's participation in the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. Earlier this month, Canada denied entry to Mehdi Taj ahead of the FIFA Congress, reportedly due to alleged connections with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organization in 2024. Despite the uncertainties surrounding their participation, Iran remains resolute in its commitment to compete in the global event.

In a statement reported by Al Jazeera, the FFIRI asserted, “We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account.” The federation also emphasized that Iran would participate “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”