Iran Prepares for 2026 FIFA World Cup Base in Mexico
Iran’s national football team will base itself in Tijuana, Mexico, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the team announced. The squad has been training in Antalya, Turkey, since May 18, ahead of the tournament’s June 11 kickoff.
Travel Complications: Visas and Geopolitical Tensions
The Iranian squad’s departure has been complicated by pending US visas and regional tensions. Originally set to train in Tucson, Arizona, the team relocated to Tijuana due to delays and security concerns.
Federation chief Mehdi Taj confirmed the team would travel via Spain before arriving in Mexico, with hopes that visas would be issued swiftly prior to departure.
Group Fixtures and Key Matches
Iran, drawn in Group G, will face:
- New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15
- Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21
- Egypt in Seattle on June 26
These matches mark the start of Team Melli’s campaign in North America, where they will remain based throughout the tournament.
Friendly Matches Ahead of Departure
Ahead of flying to Mexico, Iran will play a final friendly against Mali in Antalya on Thursday, following a 3-1 win over Gambia on May 29. These fixtures aim to maintain match sharpness and finalise squad selections.
Iran’s World Cup Preparations Amid Regional Security Issues
Earlier this year, tensions between Iran and the United States, including military actions, delayed planning. Taj noted that the move to Tijuana was necessary to avoid complications and ensure the team can focus on tournament preparations.
“We expect the US visa to be issued quickly once our Mexican visas are confirmed,” Taj said.
The Iranian squad’s focus remains on preparation, with a clear strategy to compete in a challenging group while navigating logistical and geopolitical hurdles.
