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Iran's national football team will base its World Cup squad in Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA approved a request to move the training camp from Arizona, according to statements from Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj reported by Reuters and Al Jazeera. The move is aimed at avoiding visa-related complications amid ongoing tensions between the US, Israel, and Iran, as multiple outlets reported.

The team, currently training in Turkey, is scheduled to play its first two Group G matches in Los Angeles—against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21—before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26. According to Taj, as quoted in reports, Tijuana is closer to the match venues than the originally planned Arizona camp, with a flight time of approximately 55 minutes to Los Angeles.

Coverage Comparison

Reports from four outlets—Africa News, Al Jazeera, and the Jerusalem Post (via Reuters)—broadly agree on the core facts: FIFA approved the relocation, the team will be based in Tijuana, and visa delays for players and staff are a factor. However, sources differ on the primary reason for the move. The Jerusalem Post, citing Reuters, frames it as a logistical decision to "avoid visa-related complications," while Al Jazeera's reporting emphasizes the "US-Israeli war on Iran" as the underlying cause. Africa News also references "the US's war in Iran" in its account, though it focuses on the friendly match victory.

All sources confirm that Iran's players and staff had not yet received US visas as of late May, with visa applications begun during the team's stay in Turkey. The US State Department has said President Donald Trump made clear the Iranian team is welcome to participate, as reported by Africa News.

Key Claims

  • FIFA approved the base move from Arizona to Tijuana.
This is confirmed by statements attributed to Mehdi Taj and reported by both Reuters (via the Jerusalem Post) and Al Jazeera. FIFA did not immediately respond to requests for comment, as noted in the Jerusalem Post report.
  • Visa delays and security concerns prompted the relocation.
Multiple outlets report that visa complications were a key reason. Al Jazeera additionally cites the "US-Israeli war on Iran," while Africa News refers to the "US's war in Iran." These characterizations reflect regional tensions but are not independently verified beyond official statements.
  • Iran's first two group matches will be played in Los Angeles.
This claim appears in all sources, with the schedule—New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21—reported consistently.
  • Iran beat The Gambia 3-1 in a friendly match in Turkey.
This result, reported only by Africa News, is a single-source claim but consistent with the team's pre-tournament preparation timeline.
  • The team will play another friendly against Mali.
Mentioned in one Al Jazeera article and a later Africa News report, this remains a planned fixture.

Perspectives

Iranian Officials: Mehdi Taj emphasized the logistical benefits of Tijuana, including proximity to match venues and direct flights via Iran Air. Team coordinator Mahdi Mohammad Nabi stressed the team's professional focus, saying they aim to avoid distractions.

US Officials: The US State Department, per Africa News, reiterated that the Iranian team is welcome to participate in the tournament, signaling a contrast with the visa delays reported.

Regional Implications: Al Jazeera's framing attributes the move to the broader US-Israeli conflict with Iran, suggesting the relocation is a security measure rather than a purely administrative decision. This perspective is echoed by Africa News but not emphasized in the Reuters-based report.