PHOENIX (AP) — The Iranian soccer team’s World Cup training base has moved to Mexico from the United States, with FIFA’s approval. Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, shared this news on Saturday.
Originally, the team was set to train in Tucson, Arizona. However, the ongoing conflict in the Middle East raised security concerns, prompting the change. Officials from Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex did not comment on the situation.
Now, the team will train in Tijuana, Mexico, located just south of San Diego. The World Cup runs from June 11 to July 19 and is co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Taj explained that FIFA must approve all team bases for the tournament. Recently, he had discussions with FIFA officials in Istanbul and Tehran, which led to approving the team’s move.
Iran will play three group games: against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. The new location in Tijuana is designed to support the team, offering training facilities, a gym, and dining options.
This will be Team Melli’s fourth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall appearance. However, they have yet to advance beyond the first round.
The federation believes that relocating to Mexico will help avoid potential visa issues, allowing the team to enter the U.S. more smoothly. Taj mentioned they might even fly in and out of Mexico with Iran Air.
The move reflects a growing trend in international tournaments where teams seek flexible training arrangements, especially amid uncertain global events. As sports fans and analysts focus on this World Cup, the shift from the U.S. to Mexico highlights how geopolitics can influence even the most popular events, such as soccer’s grand tournament.
For more details about the World Cup, check out AP World Cup coverage.
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