Iran have moved their World Cup base camp away from the USA.
Tensions surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup have been growing for some time.
There have been questions about the nation’s participation given the conflict with the United States and Israel, while this summer’s championship is being played in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
But in early May, FIFA President Gianni Infantino came out and guaranteed that Iran would play in the championship.
“Of course Iran will play in the United States. The reason is simple, because we have to unite people. We have to bring people together,” he told the BBC.
Now, with 23 days left until the World Cup opener against New Zealand in Inglewood, Iran have made their move.
The Athletic has reported that the president of the country’s football federation, Mehdi Taj, has made it clear that the team will move their base camp.
The idea was to have it in Arizona, USA, but now it is instead in the Mexican city of Tijuana that Iran will be based.
According to the information, Taj believed that the move has been approved by FIFA, but the international federation has not yet made any public statement on the matter.
In addition to New Zealand, Iran will face Belgium and Egypt in the group stage.
