Iran have altered their 2026 FIFA World Cup plans, relocating their team base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, despite all three of their Group G matches still being scheduled in the United States.
The move comes after concerns over entry and overnight stays in the US, with Mexico stepping in to provide a practical solution.
That makes this more than a routine base camp update. It is the clearest sign yet that the 2026 World Cup’s cross-border format will still be shaped by national policy.
Why Iran’s World Cup base has shifted to Mexico
Iran’s base camp has moved from Tucson to Tijuana after approval from FIFA.
The team will now be based at Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana, where they will train during the tournament.
This is not just a change of venue. Although Iran’s matches remain in the US, their preparations will take place across the border in Mexico.
That is why the late change matters. A team playing its group games in the United States will now build its tournament from Mexico.
Claudia Sheinbaum’s comments explain Mexico’s role
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum explained the move by saying the United States did not want Iran staying overnight during the tournament.
Mexico, however, had no objection to hosting the team.
Mexico had no issue hosting Iran, and that is the line that gives the story its political weight.
Sheinbaum’s comments show why Mexico stepped into the situation. They also show how host-country policy can shape a World Cup before the football begins.
Iran’s fixtures remain unchanged
While the base has moved, Iran’s schedule has not.
Iran’s three Group G matches remain in the United States, with games scheduled against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt.
The first two matches are due to take place in the Los Angeles area, before Iran face Egypt in Seattle.
That creates the unusual situation at the centre of this story. Iran will prepare in Mexico while competing in the US.
For Iran, the immediate outcome is a move to Tijuana. For the tournament as a whole, it is a reminder that even a global football event cannot be separated from the political landscape of its host nations.
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