FIFA Approves Iran’s World Cup Training Base From The US To Mexico Amid Visa Concerns

FIFA has approved Iran's request to relocate its football team's training camp from Arizona in the US to Tijuana in Mexico. The request was made amid concerns around the logistical challenges, travel restrictions and the visa-related issues. President of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, confirmed the development after meeting with FIFA officials in Iran and a follow-up confirmation webinar.

According to Iran's football authorities, the decision to move the training camp out of Arizona was made to avoid the visa complications for the Iranian players, staff and support personnel entering the US. By shifting the base to Mexico, Iran can simplify travel arrangements, including a direct flight from Iran to Tijuana. The new training base also gives an advantage to the Iranian team by reducing the travel time to venues for group stage matches. Flights from Tijuana takes less time to Los Angeles than from Arizona.

Iran's Group Schedule For The FIFA World CupIran will kick off the FIFA World Cup in the Group G match against New Zealand on June 15. The team will take on Belgium on June 21 and then play Egypt on June 26. The matches against New Zealand and Belgium will be played at SoFi Stadium, while the Egypt clash will take place at Lumen Field. The relocation came amid the speculations surrounding the Iran team's participation in the FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

Earlier this month, Canada denied entry to Mehdi Taj ahead of FIFA Congress, reportedly citing alleged ties with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organisation in 2024. Despite uncertainties around the team's participation, Iran has stayed firm on its stance that the team will compete in the global event.

In a statement quoted by Al Jazeera, the FFIRI stated: “We will definitely participate in the 2026 World Cup, but the hosts must take our concerns into account. "The federation also emphasised that Iran would participate “without any retreat from our beliefs, culture, and convictions.”