Iran’s training base for the FIFA World Cup has reportedly been relocated from the United States to Mexico after FIFA approved a request submitted by the country’s football federation, according to Iranian FA president Mehdi Taj.

Taj disclosed that Iran will now camp in Tijuana, a city located along the Mexico-US border, instead of Tucson, Arizona, although FIFA has not yet officially announced the decision.

The development comes amid growing security concerns tied to the ongoing Middle East conflict and uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Speaking on Saturday, Taj said FIFA approved the relocation request after discussions with World Cup officials in Istanbul and meetings with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.

“We will now camp in Tijuana, which is close to the Pacific Ocean and situated near the US border,” Taj stated.

He explained that the new location offers easier travel arrangements for Iran’s group-stage fixtures, noting that flights from Tijuana to Los Angeles take about 55 minutes, significantly shorter than the journey from Tucson.

Iran are scheduled to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The Iranian national team is currently holding training sessions in Antalya, Turkey, while some players recently visited the US embassy in Ankara to process visa applications ahead of the tournament.

Earlier this month, Taj revealed that Iranian players were still waiting for their visas. The Iranian Football Federation has also submitted a list of conditions to FIFA, including visa approvals for players, coaches and officials who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that Iranian players would be allowed into the tournament, although individuals linked to the IRGC could still face entry restrictions into the United States.