Full Breakdown
Iran Moves 2026 World Cup Base Camp from Tucson to Tijuana
5/24/2026, 11:15:17 AM
Relocating Iran’s World Cup Base Camp: From Tucson to Tijuana
Iran’s team (Team Melli) had planned a base camp at Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona. After the February 28 U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and a U.S. visa ban on Iranians, security and entry concerns rose. FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran’s participation at April 30 Congress. On May 23, Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj announced FIFA’s approval to move the camp to Tijuana, Mexico.
Official Statements & Responses
Taj said FIFA must approve World Cup base camps and that the move to Mexico was granted after meetings in Istanbul and a webinar with the FIFA secretary general. Infantino, at the April 30 Congress, reaffirmed Iran will compete in 2026 and play in United States. The U.S. maintains a visa ban on Iranians but allows exemptions for athletes, coaches and staff.
Criticism & Opposition
Former President Donald Trump posted that while Iran is “welcome,” its participation is “not appropriate for their own life and safety.” Sports and Youth Minister Ahmad Donyamali echoed the concern, stating that the war and U.S. actions make participation “not possible.” These remarks highlight political resistance to Iran’s presence.
Logistical Details and Impact
Tijuana lies 50 minutes by air from Los Angeles International Airport, cutting travel to Group G matches at SoFi to a 55-minute flight versus Tucson. Taj said the camp offers pitches, gym, restaurant and facilities, and that the squad may use Iran Air. The shift removes a visa bottleneck and keeps Iran’s fourth World Cup appearance, though it has never advanced beyond the group stage.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Taj says FIFA approved the relocation, yet FIFA has not issued a public confirmation. The head of Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex declined comment. Federation officials admit visa approvals for players and staff remain “uncertain,” and it is unclear whether Iran Air flights will be permitted. These gaps leave final logistics unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved [by] FIFA,” — Mehdi Taj, President, Iran Football Federation
- “confirming, straight away, for those who want to say something else or write something else, that of course Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026. And of course Iran will play in the United States of America.” — Gianni Infantino, FIFA President
- “believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” — Donald Trump, Former U.S. President
- “We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States,” — Mehdi Taj, President, Iran Football Federation
What’s Next
Team Melli, training in Antalya, Turkey, will travel to Tijuana before its June 15 opening match against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium. Final visa clearances and any Iran Air travel authorization are expected in the weeks before the tournament. The group-stage results will decide if Iran can break its historical ceiling, while the base-camp move will be watched as a precedent for sport amid geopolitical tension.
