FIFA has confirmed that Iran has moved its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, citing the ongoing war in the Middle East and related security concerns.
The team had initially chosen a sports complex in Tucson, Arizona, as its base for the tournament. However, Iranian officials sought a relocation after joint U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February.
FIFA published the final list of team base camps on Monday, showing that Iran will now be based at the Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana.
There are currently no plans to change the locations of Iran’s group-stage matches. Drawn in Group G, the team is scheduled to play its opening games in Los Angeles against New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June, before facing Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Tijuana’s proximity to the United States, just across the border from San Diego, is expected to ease logistical challenges, including visa issues when the team needs to enter the country. Earlier this month, Iranian officials said players and staff had not yet received U.S. visas.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj first announced the move on Saturday, ahead of FIFA’s confirmation.
“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA,” Taj said in a statement. “Following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will take place from 11 June to 19 July.
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