Iran football team establishes training base in Mexico after US visa denials

The Iran national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday to use the city's Xoloitzcuintle training centre as its World Cup 2026 base. The move follows the denial of U.S. visas to 14 members of the delegation, including federation vice‑president Mehdi Mohammed Nabi, and the revocation by FIFA of the allocation of fan tickets for Iran due to U.S. sanctions that block sales to Iranian residents.

Iranitalian striker Mehdi Taremi told ESPN, “I have attended three World Cups and always feel a unique atmosphere when you step off the plane; unfortunately, I don’t feel that now.” Forward Alireza Jahanbakhsh added that the ongoing conflict keeps players worried about families back home. The team held a friendly against Club Tijuana’s U‑21 side, winning 3‑0, and will travel to Los Angeles on 14 June for its opening group match against New Zealand, followed by games against Belgium and Egypt.

Local Mexican supporters have welcomed the squad, displaying bilingual banners and offering hospitality, while U.S. officials said they will monitor the delegation for any links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.