Mexico agrees to host Iran's World Cup training base in Tijuana

Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the country will allow Iran's national football team to set up its 2026 World Cup base camp in Tijuana. The decision follows Iran's request to move its camp from Tucson after the United States refused to grant the team visas.

FIFA has approved the change, and Mexican authorities are finalising details with the federation. Iran's federation president Mehdi Taj said the Tijuana location, close to the U.S. border, will solve most visa issues and cut travel time to Los Angeles matches to about 55 minutes.

Iran will still play its three group‑stage matches in the United States – Los Angeles on 15 June, Los Angeles again on 21 June and Seattle on 26 June – despite having no diplomatic relations with the U.S. since 1980.