Mexico Confirms Iran's World Cup Base in Tijuana as U.S. Bars Overnight Stays
Updated
Updated · ESPN · May 25
Mexico Confirms Iran's World Cup Base in Tijuana as U.S. Bars Overnight Stays
15 articles · Updated · ESPN · May 25
Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will host Iran's World Cup training base in Tijuana after FIFA asked whether the team could stay overnight there instead of in the United States.
Tijuana replaces Tucson, Arizona, as Iran's base camp, while Iran still plans to play June 15 and June 21 matches in Inglewood and a June 26 game in Seattle.
Sheinbaum said U.S. reluctance to host the team between matches reflected war-related tensions and sanctions complications, though the State Department said Iran remains welcome to participate in the tournament.
FIFA has not publicly confirmed the base switch, but Iran's federation says it has approval as organizers work through final logistics before the June 11-July 19 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
With a ceasefire expiring, can the US protect an Iranian team it refused to host while they play on its soil?
By hosting Iran's team, is Mexico defying its US neighbor or cleverly positioning itself as a new global peace broker?
As Iran chokes global oil supplies, is its World Cup participation a diplomatic gambit or a distraction from war?
Iran Relocates 2026 World Cup Base to Tijuana Over Safety and Visa Fears: How Geopolitics Shaped FIFA’s Response
Overview
Iran’s national football team announced on May 23, 2026, that it would relocate its World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. This decision, confirmed by the federation president in a video, was made due to rising geopolitical tensions and concerns for player safety after the United States and Israel launched airstrikes on Iran. Despite FIFA’s earlier reluctance to move Iran’s matches to Mexico, the new base in Tijuana—close to the Pacific Ocean and the U.S. border—offers a safer environment and addresses visa and security challenges, allowing the team to focus on tournament preparations amid complex circumstances.