Initially, Iran had arranged to establish their training base in the United States. However, the federation requested a change due to visa-related complications. The approved relocation now places the team’s base in Tijuana, Mexico, a city close to the US–Mexico border.
The concept of a World Cup base camp refers to the designated temporary accommodation and training headquarters assigned to each participating team. From this location, squads manage all preparations, training sessions, and logistical arrangements. Teams also return to their base camp between matches during the tournament.
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, speaking in a video broadcast by the Fars News Agency, confirmed the development and explained the reasoning behind the relocation. He stated that the request to move from the United States to Mexico was submitted due to problems encountered in obtaining visas, and that FIFA had formally approved the change.
Taj also confirmed that accommodation arrangements in Tijuana have already been completed. He added that the new location is intended to facilitate smoother travel arrangements for the team, including the use of Iran Air flights for direct travel to Mexico.
Previously, Iran’s base camp had been scheduled in Tucson, Arizona. The change in location also alters travel logistics for the team’s World Cup fixtures, all of which are scheduled to be played in the United States despite the base camp now being in Mexico.
Iran have been drawn into a group stage schedule that includes matches against New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June, both in Los Angeles, followed by a fixture against Egypt on 26 June in Seattle.
The federation noted that the revised base camp in Tijuana will reduce travel time compared to the original arrangement in Tucson. Mehdi Taj stated that the flight time to Los Angeles for two of Iran’s group matches would now be approximately 55 minutes, significantly shorter than the previously planned route.
| Category | Original Plan | Revised Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Base Camp Location | Tucson, Arizona, USA | Tijuana, Mexico |
| Reason for Change | Initial allocation | Visa-related issues |
| Approval Authority | Pending | FIFA approved |
| Key Benefit | Standard logistics | Reduced travel time (~55 minutes to Los Angeles) |
The team is currently preparing for the tournament in Antalya, Turkey. Several squad members recently travelled to Ankara to attend visa application appointments at the United States embassy.
The 23rd edition of the FIFA World Cup is scheduled to begin on 11 June. Iran’s adjustment of their base camp comes in the final weeks of preparation as teams finalise logistical and training arrangements ahead of the tournament.