PHOENIX (AP) — Iran’s soccer governing body has decided to relocate its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, as announced by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation. The move received approval from FIFA, although official confirmation from FIFA is still pending.
The team was initially scheduled to train in Tucson, Arizona. Due to uncertainties related to the Middle East conflict and security concerns, the change was considered. Officials from Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex have not commented on the matter.
The federation reported that the team will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico, which is just south of San Diego. The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Taj stated, “All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA. Fortunately, following requests and meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, and a webinar session with the FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”
Iran’s group games will take place in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium six days later, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The federation mentioned that Tijuana’s proximity to Inglewood, near Los Angeles, offers logistical benefits for the team. The new location provides training facilities, a gym, a private restaurant, and other necessities.
Team Melli is participating in its fourth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall. It has yet to advance past the first round. By moving the base camp, the federation aims to resolve potential visa issues, allowing the team to enter the U.S. from Mexico. The president also mentioned that travel between Mexico and the United States might be possible using Iran Air flights.
Base camps are used by teams for training sessions before and after matches.
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