Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj announced that the national team will move its 2026 World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA approved the request.

Speaking in comments cited by the Fars News Agency, Taj said the decision was made because of difficulties related to obtaining U.S. visas, which raised concerns about possible delays affecting the team’s preparations and travel schedule.

He explained that Iran will now use the Mexican border city of Tijuana as its headquarters during the tournament.

“Fortunately, following meetings with FIFA officials, our request to change the host country from the United States to Mexico was approved,” Taj said.

He added that Tijuana also offers logistical advantages, noting that flights to Los Angeles — where Iran is scheduled to play two matches — take only about 55 minutes, significantly shorter than from Tucson.

The move comes amid ongoing concerns regarding travel procedures and visa approvals for some nations participating in the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.