Iran’s national football team will soon be training in Mexico rather than the United States as it prepares for the upcoming World Cup. The change follows a series of logistical and safety challenges that have shaped the squad’s recent preparations.
The Iran Football Federation announced the shift after FIFA gave its blessing, citing security concerns and the prospect of visa complications for players and staff. The decision reflects a broader effort to ensure that the team can focus on competition without unnecessary administrative hurdles.
The new base will be located in Tijuana, a border city that offers convenient access for travel, including the use of Iran Air flights that could facilitate movement between the two countries. This arrangement is intended to streamline the team’s itinerary as it gears up for the tournament.
During the group stage, Iran is slated to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt on U.S. soil. The matches will be part of a World Cup schedule that runs from June 11 to July 19 and is being co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, a setup that makes the relocation both practical and timely.
Iran has historically found it difficult to advance past the first round of the World Cup, and the new training environment is seen as a chance to break that pattern. By consolidating preparation in a single, secure location, the federation hopes to give its players the best possible conditions.
A New Chapter for Team Melli
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, oversaw the transition and emphasized the importance of a stable training setting amid rising geopolitical tensions. He noted that the move underscores the federation’s commitment to supporting the national team through every possible channel.