Iran Football Federation Officially Confirms World Cup Base Camp Moves From Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico

Iran's football federation officially confirmed on May 26 that its World Cup base camp has been relocated from Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico — an unprecedented logistical arrangement that will see Iran commute across the international border for each of their three US-hosted group-stage matches. The United States government failed to issue visas to any Iranian delegation member despite squad applications at the US Embassy in Ankara on May 21. The Tijuana facility 'includes all training facilities, gym, private restaurant, and everything else the team needs,' according to the federation, and is relatively close to SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, where Iran play their first two matches. Iran's schedule: SoFi Stadium, Inglewood (June 15 vs New Zealand; June 21 vs Belgium); Lumen Field, Seattle (June 26 vs Egypt). Tijuana is approximately 25 km from the San Ysidro Port of Entry, one of the world's busiest land border crossings. The logistical arrangement — reportedly brokered by FIFA with Mexican cooperation — means Iranian players and staff will cross the US-Mexico border at least six times during the group stage. Iran's warm-up friendly vs The Gambia in Antalya, Turkey is scheduled for May 29. The situation remains without historical precedent in World Cup history.