FIFA has greenlit Iran's request to shift their World Cup base camp from Arizona to Mexico. The decision comes as Middle East tensions raised security concerns for the Iranian delegation.
The 2026 tournament kicks off in less than three weeks across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Mexico will face South Africa in the opening match.
Iran's first match pits them against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. They'll play Belgium six days later in the same city, then take on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's Football Federation, announced the approval after meetings in Istanbul and Tehran. He met with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom during a virtual session to finalize details.
"All World Cup team camps require FIFA approval," Taj told reporters. He explained that both in-person and virtual discussions with tournament officials led to the green light for their relocation request.
Originally, Iran was assigned Tucson, Arizona as their training base. But uncertainty about their participation grew following regional tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Tijuana will now serve as Iran's home base for the tournament. The Mexican border city sits close to the Pacific Ocean and the U.S.-Mexico frontier.
According to Taj, the new location cuts travel time significantly for their Los Angeles matches. A 55-minute flight replaces what would've been a much longer journey from Arizona, he noted.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump recently endorsed Iran's participation in the World Cup.
He made the comments after speaking with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
"If Gianni said it, I'm OK with it," Trump told reporters. "Let them play," he added simply.
The move removes a major obstacle that had clouded Iran's World Cup preparations. Officials now focus on final arrangements ahead of the tournament's start.
