By Jared Figueroa
On May 23, 2026, the Iran Football Federation announced that it would no longer be practicing at Tucson’s Kino Sports Complex due to political tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
Today, five days before the 2026 FIFA World Cup is underway and nine days before Iran plays their first match against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, team Iran has been practicing at their relocation site in Tijuana, Mexico.
The move represents a disappointment for Tucson, as the site would have provided economic benefits and international exposure from hosting a World Cup team.
Leading up to the World Cup, there was growing concern on if the Iran Football Federation would even participate in the world’s biggest sporting event, showing that political conflicts extend into athletics as well. But team Iran remains committed to competing in the World Cup, despite constant frustration over their treatment in the United States.
On Friday, an Iranian official was asked to collect 26 passports as part of the approval process. The 26-man roster did accept, but more than a dozen members of Iran’s support staff which includes coaches, trainers and medical personnel were rejected, still providing many concerns as we approach the World Cup.
The Arizona facility was initially selected because of the proximity in Iran’s group stage, which includes Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. But due to the ongoing war between the United States and Iran, the location in Tijuana allows Iran to have relatively easy access to tournament venues without having to stay in the United States.
Iranian officials also announced that the move has other benefits as well, such as reducing visa-related complications and making travel arrangements much easier as they stay in Mexico.
Nonetheless, despite becoming one of the first teams to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran has already had one of the most eventful World Cup trips without even playing in a match.
