Iran's build-up to the 2026 World Cup has been shaped by political tensions involving Israel and the United States, with their place in the tournament becoming a wider debate.
Last month, FIFA president Gianni Infantino stepped in to confirm that Iran would remain part of the competition, despite questions around security, visas and diplomacy remaining.
With all three of Iran's Group G fixtures taking place inside the US, the location of their training base quickly became a focal point, and it has now undergone a major shift.
Photo by Wu Zhizhao/VCG via Getty Images
FIFA has approved Iran's request to relocate their training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
The move was motivated partly by worries over potential visa and travel issues for players, staff and support personnel entering the US.
But there are soccer reasons as well. Iran's first two group games, against New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June, are both at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood.
Tijuana, just across the border from California, offers much easier access to those matches than Arizona would have done.
Iran's final group match is against Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle on 26 June, which will still require a longer trip.
Even so, the switch should reduce travel strain across the opening phase, particularly before two key matches in California.
For a team already under political scrutiny, the move gives Iran one clear advantage: a base camp built around control, convenience and fewer avoidable complications.
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