Iran’s national football team has moved its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA approved a request linked to visa complications and ongoing geopolitical tensions.

The decision was confirmed by Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj, who said the federation faced uncertainty over whether all players and officials would receive United States visas in time for the tournament.Iran will now stay in Tijuana, a Mexican border city close to the US, during the World Cup.

Taj explained that the new location would make travel easier and reduce administrative problems, including the ability to use direct Iran Air flights into Mexico.He also noted that Tijuana is geographically closer to Los Angeles and Seattle, where Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled.The move comes amid heightened tensions following military conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier in 2026.

Although speculation had emerged about whether Iran would even be allowed to participate in the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino recently confirmed that the team would compete in the United States as planned, stressing that the World Cup should help bring people together.

Iran has been drawn in Group G and will open its campaign against New Zealand on 15 June, before facing Belgium on 21 June and Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.Members of the squad reportedly travelled to the US embassy in Ankara to apply for visas while the team continued preparations in Antalya, Türkiye.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with all 104 matches to be broadcast live and free on SBS platforms in Australia.