The president of the Iranian soccer governing body announced a change in the national team’s World Cup training location. The base will move from the United States to Mexico with FIFA’s approval.
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, reported this update on Saturday. Although FIFA has not confirmed the shift, the federation issued a statement through its media relations official. Iran initially planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but security concerns due to the Middle East conflict prompted reconsideration. Officials at Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex did not comment on the matter.
The team will now train in Tijuana, Mexico, located just south of San Diego. This change aligns with the World Cup running from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. According to Taj, all team base camps require FIFA approval. Following meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials and a recent webinar with the FIFA secretary general, the base move was authorized.
Iran’s World Cup schedule includes Group G matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a game against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Tijuana’s proximity to Inglewood serves as an advantage for the team, providing necessary facilities like a gym, private restaurant, and other essentials.
This marks Iran’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. The team has yet to surpass the first round. Adjusting the base camp aims to address potential visa issues by facilitating entry to the U.S. through Mexico. The team may operate flights between Mexico and Iran on Iran Air.
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