Iran's preparation for the upcoming World Cup has taken an unexpected turn. After a series of security concerns and cumbersome visa procedures in the United States, the national squad has decided to relocate its training base from the U.S. to Mexico.
Why the shift mattered
The decision was formally endorsed by FIFA following intensive discussions with Iranian officials, clearing the way for the team to set up camp in the border city of Tijuana.
Tijuana, situated just across the border from San Diego, offers a logistical advantage. Its proximity to major U.S. airports and the availability of training facilities make it an ideal staging ground for a team that still needs to play group matches on American soil.
Iran will contest its group games in Inglewood, California, and Seattle, Washington, while the bulk of its training will unfold in Mexico. The arrangement is designed to mitigate travel complications and streamline logistics.
To facilitate movement between the two countries, the team may rely on Iran Air flights, a carrier that has been granted special permissions for this purpose.
Mehdi Taj, a senior figure in the Iran Football Federation, praised the collaborative effort that made the relocation possible, emphasizing that the new base will allow the squad to focus on performance rather than bureaucratic obstacles.
The World Cup itself will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament spans three nations. For Iran, the adjusted schedule underscores the tournament's global reach and the team's adaptability.