Iran Moves World Cup Training Base to Tijuana to Bypass U.S. Visa Delays

Context The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co‑hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran was slated to base its team in Arizona after a pre‑tournament camp in Turkey, but visa applications submitted from Turkey have not been approved. With the tournament starting on June 11, the Iranian Football Federation sought an alternative location that would keep the team close to its first two matches in Los Angeles.

Key Facts - Federation president Mehdi Taj announced that the team will set up camp in Tijuana, a border city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The decision received FIFA’s approval. - Tijuana shortens the travel segment to the Los Angeles venues to a 55‑minute flight, compared with a longer route from Arizona. - Relocating to Mexico eliminates the need for U.S. entry visas, a hurdle that arose after the U.S.–Israel conflict heightened scrutiny of Iranian travelers. Iran Air will operate direct flights to Tijuana, simplifying logistics. - Iran’s Group G schedule includes New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. - The team will play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 before finalizing its 26‑player roster by the June 1 FIFA deadline.

What It Means By moving to Tijuana, Iran reduces operational risk and ensures the squad can reach its opening matches without delay. The proximity also cuts travel fatigue, potentially giving the team a physical edge in the early group stage. The shift underscores how geopolitical tensions can reshape logistical planning for global sports events. As the tournament approaches, attention will turn to whether other nations face similar visa obstacles and how FIFA’s contingency mechanisms will be applied.

Watch for updates on Iran’s final squad announcement and any further adjustments to travel protocols as the World Cup kickoff nears.