Iran’s World Cup Team Relocates Training Base to Mexico Amid Tensions

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that Mexico will host Iran’s World Cup team for its training base, which has been relocated from the United States to Tijuana. The team will play its group stage matches in the U.S., but will train in Mexico, as formally confirmed by FIFA.

The move is taking place amidst ongoing conflict in Iran, which began on February 28 with involvement from the U.S. and Israel. During a press conference, Sheinbaum explained that a FIFA representative mentioned the U.S. was unwilling to allow the Iranian team to stay overnight outside of competition times. Mexico agreed to host the team, accommodating FIFA’s request.

Iran’s team has planned matches in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15, and Belgium on June 21, before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team had initially planned to base operations in Tucson, Arizona. However, due to rising tensions, the base has been shifted to Tijuana, Mexico. The Iranian soccer federation’s decision received FIFA’s approval, which was confirmed when FIFA released the list of base camp sites for the World Cup. Base camps serve as training facilities for teams during the tournament.

This year’s World Cup, running from June 11 to July 19, is being co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Heightened security concerns and existing U.S. sanctions on Iran contributed to the decision to move the base. The U.S. Department of State noted President Donald Trump’s stance that Iran’s team is welcome to participate. However, it did not comment on the team’s accommodation or Sheinbaum’s statements.

Sheinbaum mentioned that her government is collaborating with FIFA to finalize details before the competition starts.

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