Tijuana, Jun 08 (V7N) – The Iranian national football team has arrived in the Mexican border city of Tijuana amid ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The team reached Tijuana shortly after 5 a.m. local time. The city is located near the US border, directly across from San Diego.
Although Iranian players were granted US visas at the last moment, several key administrative and management officials reportedly did not receive travel authorization from Washington. As a result, Iran abandoned its planned base camp in Arizona and instead established its training camp in Tijuana, Mexico.
Iran had originally intended to stay in Arizona during the tournament. However, concerns over visa complications and travel restrictions prompted the team to reconsider its plans. While visas were eventually issued to all players, the lack of approval for some support staff forced a change in logistics.
The Iranian squad will travel from Mexico to the United States for its matches during the tournament.
Drawn in Group G, Iran national football team will play its first two group-stage matches in Los Angeles. Iran will face New Zealand national football team on June 15 before taking on Belgium national football team on June 21.
Iran will conclude its Group G campaign against Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26.
The unusual arrangement highlights how geopolitical tensions have affected tournament preparations, even as teams finalize plans for football’s biggest event.
END/SMA/AJ
