Despite ongoing delays in obtaining visas, Iran’s national football team is set to travel to Mexico this weekend to continue their preparations for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. This move comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent airstrikes by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian territory in late February, which had cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in the tournament.
In a significant development last month, Iran announced it would shift its World Cup base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. This decision was made to ensure smoother logistics and better preparation conditions ahead of the global event. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, expressed optimism that the visa issues affecting travel to both Mexico and the United States would be resolved shortly, allowing the team to focus fully on their World Cup campaign.
Currently, the Iranian squad has been conducting a training camp in Turkey, sharpening their skills and tactics. They are scheduled to play a final warm-up match against Mali on Thursday before departing for North America. Iran has been drawn into Group G, where they will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their first match is set for June 15 against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, followed by a game against Belgium on June 21 in the same city. The group stage will conclude with a match against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
As the World Cup approaches, Iran’s team is determined to overcome logistical challenges and regional uncertainties to perform strongly on the world stage. The relocation to Mexico and the upcoming friendly match against Mali are key steps in their final preparations for the tournament.
