Iranian national team set to establish training base in Mexico after resolving a key travel issue ahead of football’s biggest tournament.
Iran’s national football team has received a major boost ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after successfully obtaining Mexican visas, removing one of the most significant logistical challenges facing the squad before the tournament.
According to Iranian state broadcaster IRIB, the visas were issued following diplomatic coordination between Iranian authorities and the Mexican Embassy in Ankara, Türkiye. The development brings an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding travel arrangements and allows the national team to proceed with its preparations without interruption.
Iran’s ambassador to Türkiye, Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, confirmed that the visa process was completed within 48 hours. He noted that players were not required to attend in-person appointments or undergo fingerprinting procedures, helping expedite the approval process for the entire delegation.
The breakthrough comes shortly after comments from Amir Mehdi Alavi, spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation, who had expressed confidence that the matter would be resolved quickly. Earlier this week, Alavi told state media that officials expected the visas to be approved within days, a prediction that ultimately proved accurate.
With the necessary travel documents now secured, Iran is scheduled to move forward with its World Cup plans. Federation officials confirmed that the team delegation will travel to the border city of Tijuana on June 6, where the squad will establish its pre-tournament training base.
The visa issue had become a focal point of discussion as Iran prepared for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. The tournament’s three-country format has created additional travel and logistical considerations for participating nations.
In recent months, Iranian football authorities evaluated multiple options for the team’s preparation camp before deciding to shift their primary World Cup base from the United States to Mexico. Officials believe the move will provide a more stable environment for training while ensuring convenient access to match venues across North America.
Iran has already been undergoing intensive preparations in Antalya since May 19. The training camp has focused on fitness, tactical development, and team cohesion as players and coaching staff prepare for one of the most important tournaments in the nation’s football history.
The successful visa approval removes a significant administrative obstacle and provides clarity for the team’s travel schedule. With off-field concerns now largely settled, Iran can fully concentrate on final preparations as it seeks to make a strong impact at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
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