The Iranian national football team will not be staying in the United States during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Originally планировалось to set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, Iran has ultimately decided to settle in Tijuana, Mexico. This change comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States.
The decision was announced by the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, and has been approved by FIFA. However, FIFA has not publicly confirmed its approval. According to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, the United States has expressed a preference that the Iranian team not spend the night on American soil. Tijuana, located just south of San Diego, will offer Iran a strategic location, facilitating logistics and team mobility.
Relations between the United States and Iran have been strained since the Islamic Revolution in 1979. Disagreements include Iran's nuclear program, Iran's support for regional groups, and U.S. concerns about human rights in Iran. These tensions have led to economic sanctions and indirect clashes in the region.
Iran will participate in its fourth consecutive World Cup and its seventh overall. The team will play its group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Choosing Tijuana as a base camp will resolve potential visa issues, as the team will enter the United States via Mexico. Mehdi Taj also mentioned the possibility of using Iran Air for team travel.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will be the first to host 48 teams. The tournament will take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026. Los Angeles will host the opening match of the United States men's national team on June 12, 2026. Despite the change of base camp, the official competition schedule remains unchanged.
