Body discovered near Iranian soccer team's Tijuana training camp

Mexican authorities are investigating a dead body found inside the trunk of a gray van parked near Estadio Caliente in Tijuana, where Iran's national soccer team is training ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Police detected a strong foul odor, stopped the vehicle and uncovered a decomposed body wrapped in a black bag. The victim's identity, cause of death and the timeline of the incident are still being determined, and officials have said no link to the Iranian team or the tournament has been established.

The discovery draws attention to Tijuana's chronic security challenges, a city known for high homicide rates and its role as a transit point for drug trafficking and migrants seeking entry to the United States. Iran's squad, preparing for its opening match against New Zealand, is due to move to Los Angeles for the group stage.

The case remains open as investigators examine all evidence surrounding the abandoned vehicle and its occupant.