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Iran Moves 2026 World Cup Base to Tijuana

5/24/2026

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Summary

Iran Moves Base

Iran Federation moves its 2026 World Cup training base to Tijuana, Mexico after FIFA approval.
President Mehdi Taj says move avoids visa problems and lets the squad fly on Iran Air.
The Tijuana-Los Angeles flight takes 55 minutes, shorter than the Tucson route.
Iran will play matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21.
Iran will play in Seattle on June 26, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms its participation.

Summary

Iran Relocates Base

U.S. President Donald Trump told FIFA Iran was welcome, then posted it was unsafe.
Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali said Iran could not compete after the United States allegedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei.
American and Israeli attacks on Iran that began four months earlier have raised security concerns over the team’s U.S. travel.
Iran is shifting its base to Tijuana to bypass visa hurdles despite the political tensions.

History

Historical Context

In 1994 the United States hosted the 15th FIFA World Cup, featuring 24 teams and drawing a record 3.58 million spectators. During the tournament Iran’s national side traveled to Boston, marking a rare Iran-U.S. sporting contact overseen by the US Soccer Federation and the Clinton administration. The event showed how the tournament’s low-cost $500 million staging enabled diplomatic outreach through sport.

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Iran Moves Base

Iran Federation moves its 2026 World Cup training base to Tijuana, Mexico after FIFA approval.
President Mehdi Taj says move avoids visa problems and lets the squad fly on Iran Air.
The Tijuana-Los Angeles flight takes 55 minutes, shorter than the Tucson route.
Iran will play matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21.
Iran will play in Seattle on June 26, as FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirms its participation.

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