Iran Football Federation Moves Base Camp to Mexico
Get the Sports newsletter
Daily sports — scores, transfers, the storylines from the leagues you actually follow. Free.
- Iran Football Federation announced the base camp move from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico after securing FIFA approval, though FIFA has not confirmed the decision.
- Iran Football Federation held meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul and a webinar with the FIFA secretary general in Tehran to seek the base camp change.
- Tijuana offers a training complex with a gym, private restaurant and other facilities the team needs.
- Tijuana is relatively close to Inglewood, a suburb of Los Angeles, which will benefit the team for its opening Group G match.
- Iran will enter the United States via Mexico, easing visa challenges and potentially using Iran Air flights for travel.
- Iran's Group G schedule includes a June 15 match vs New Zealand in Inglewood, a June 21 match vs Belgium, and a June 26 match vs Egypt in Seattle.
- Mehdi Taj said the new base camp resolves potential visa issues and includes all training facilities, a gym, a private restaurant and everything else the team needs.
Why it matters: The relocation eliminates visa hurdles for Iran’s squad, ensuring smoother entry to the United States for its Group G matches and allowing the team to train close to its opening venue, which improves logistical preparation and reduces travel fatigue for the tournament.
