FIFA has reportedly confirmed the relocation of Iran's training camp from the United States to Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The decision comes amid ongoing political tensions between Iran, the USA, and Israel.
Iran's New Training Base in Tijuana
The Persian Lions will now be based in the border city of Tijuana, using the Centro Xoloitzcuintle as their official camping facility. FIFA's final list, published on Monday, May 25, officially lists Tijuana as Iran's training base for the tournament.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has publicly acknowledged the decision, confirming that Iran's squad will remain in Mexico for the duration of their World Cup preparations. Earlier, Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, revealed that discussions were already underway to relocate the camp from Arizona to Tijuana. He explained that the move was intended to avoid potential visa complications linked to the United States and to allow smoother travel arrangements, including direct flights from Iran via Iran Air.
Group Stage Matches Still in the USA
Despite the change in preparation base, Iran will still play their Group G matches in the United States. They will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before taking on Egypt in Seattle later in the group stage, as reported by beIN Sports.
World Cup Should Unite Nations, Says Nigerian Journalist
Nigerian sports journalist Blessing Nwosu has stated that the FIFA World Cup is meant to unite nations regardless of political tensions or conflicts. Speaking in an exclusive interview with Legit.ng, Nwosu explained that football has long served as a tool for bringing countries together and, in some cases, helping to ease tensions between nations.
She added that allowing the Iran national football team to play their matches in the United States would have sent a powerful global message that sport promotes peace rather than division through politics. Nwosu said: "Football should be separated from the politics being played by our leaders. I was expecting Iran to play their matches in the US, but it seems politics has taken over everything. If President Trump had allowed Iran to train and play their matches in the US, it would have sent a message to the rest of the world that sport conquers all."
US Envoy Proposes Iran's Replacement
Legit.ng earlier reported that a senior envoy to US President Donald Trump has asked FIFA to replace Iran with Italy in the upcoming World Cup. The move is reportedly aimed at repairing strained ties between Trump and Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni after tensions arose over the American president's attacks against Pope Leo XIV during the Iran war.
Iran are set to feature in the Mundial group match against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Arizona. There are no plans to change the location of Iran's group-stage matches at this time.
