New Delhi, May 24 (IANS) FIFA has approved Iran’s request to relocate its training base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup from the United States to Mexico, a move driven by growing concerns over travel logistics, visa procedures and wider geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the tournament.

The decision was announced by Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran chief Mehdi Taj. He confirmed that Iran received clearance following discussions with FIFA and tournament officials in Istanbul and a follow-up virtual meeting with senior FIFA representatives.

Iran had originally planned to set up its World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona, but the team will now operate out of Tijuana, Mexico, during the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved FIFA. Fortunately, 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 the Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved,” Taj said in a statement released by the federation.

Iranian football authorities believe the relocation will ease operational difficulties associated with entering and travelling through the United States during the competition. Federation officials indicated that establishing a camp in Tijuana could simplify visa processes for players, coaching staff and support personnel, while also improving travel flexibility.

Taj added that the team “may even be able to travel to and from Mexico using Iran Air flights.”

The federation also highlighted the logistical advantages of Tijuana’s location. Situated near the US border close to San Diego, the city offers easier access to Iran’s group-stage fixtures, two of which will be held in California. The federation said the new base “includes all training facilities, gym, private restaurant and everything else the team needs.”

Despite the shift in training base, Iran will still play all of its Group G matches in the United States. Iran open their campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium on June 15 before facing Belgium at the same venue six days later. Their final group-stage fixture will come against Egypt at Lumen Field on June 26.

The decision also arrives against a backdrop of heightened political tension surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament. Earlier this month, Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada ahead of the FIFA Congress due to alleged links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Canada designated as a terrorist organisation in 2024.

The upcoming tournament will mark Team Melli’s fourth consecutive World Cup appearance and seventh overall. Iran, however, are still chasing a first-ever qualification beyond the group stage.

–IANS

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