A turbulent buildup
The Iranian national team touched down in Mexico early Sunday, stepping off the aircraft to begin a preparation campaign that has been anything but ordinary.
Visa processing setbacks, compounded by the ongoing conflict in Iran, forced the squad to abandon its original plan to train in Tucson, Arizona, and relocate to the border city of Tijuana, where they now set up camp.
Ehsan Hajsafi was the first to disembark, guiding his teammates through a series of security checks that underscored the logistical tightrope the squad is navigating.
Just weeks earlier, the team had spent a month training in Antalya, Turkey, using the Mediterranean climate as a warm‑up before the abrupt shift southward.
Adapting to a new training hub
The compact environment of Tijuana offers a focused setting that mirrors the intensity of tournament play, but it also raises questions about how the team will adjust to unfamiliar facilities and local regulations.
Coaches are emphasizing discipline and cohesion, hoping the relocation will provide the stability needed to translate preparation into performance on the world stage.