Iran’s football federation says FIFA has approved relocating the national team’s World Cup training base from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, citing logistical and security considerations linked to ongoing Middle East tensions.
Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj said the new base, located near the US border, would significantly reduce travel time for matches in Los Angeles while the squad continues preparations in Turkey ahead of the tournament.
The move comes as Iranian players and officials still await US visas, with concerns remaining over possible entry restrictions for individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). FIFA has not yet publicly confirmed the base change.
Al Jazeera exclusive footage follows Iran’s national football team as they train for the World Cup in Turkiye.
FIFA has approved moving the team’s base from Arizona to Mexico's Tijuana, a move Iranian officials say will help avoid complications in light of the war on Iran. pic.twitter.com/xKYpsdnQj9
— AJE Sport (@AJE_Sport) May 24, 2026
