Iran’s national football squad is moving its World Cup preparations base from the United States to Mexico, according to multiple reports. Iran had been expected to leave Turkey and continue training in Arizona, where the team’s base was previously linked to US preparations. Instead, the squad departs for Mexico and establishes its camp in Tijuana, with reports citing FIFA approval for the change.

Several outlets describe the timing as closely tied to a diplomatic dispute with the United States over visas. Al-Monitor reports that the US refused to issue visas for some members of Iran’s World Cup support staff, prompting Tehran to criticize Washington. Al Jazeera reports that Iranian players hand in their passports to the US embassy for World Cup visa approval, while also stating that the team flies to Mexico and that the games are played in the US.

The 2026 World Cup is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, with the tournament scheduled to start on June 11. Reports say the squad leaves Turkey for Mexico on Saturday and land in Tijuana shortly afterward.