FIFA has permitted Iran to move its FIFA 2026 World Cup training base from the U.S. to Mexico ahead of the tournament, amid ongoing security concerns related to tensions in the Middle East.
- +FIFA approves Iran’s World Cup base switch from U.S. to Mexico
- +“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump said. “You know what, let them play.”
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to begin in less than three weeks, with hosts Mexico opening the competition against South Africa.
The tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, is set to begin in less than three weeks, with hosts Mexico opening the competition against South Africa.
Iran will begin their campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles before facing Belgium on June 21, also in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iranian Football Federation president, Mehdi Taj, confirmed that FIFA approved the request following discussions with tournament officials in Istanbul and a virtual meeting in Tehran involving FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.
“All team-based camps for countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA,” Taj said.
“Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had in Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”
Iran had initially been assigned Tucson, Arizona, as their World Cup base camp, but uncertainty surrounding the country’s participation emerged due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Taj revealed the team will now be based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, close to the Pacific coast and near the United States border.
“We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States,” he added.
According to Taj, the relocation also offers logistical advantages, particularly for Iran’s two matches in Los Angeles.
“The distance for us in the two games that we have in LA will be a 55-minute flight, which is a lot less compared to Tucson,” he explained.
The development comes shortly after former US President Donald Trump publicly backed Iran’s participation in the tournament after discussions with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK,” Trump said. “You know what, let them play.”
