Iran’s national football team is scheduled to arrive in Mexico on Sunday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to an official team statement released on Wednesday.
The squad will depart Antalya, Turkey, at 15:20 (1220 GMT) on Saturday, 6 June and is expected to land in Tijuana at 1:30 am (0730 GMT) on Sunday,7 June.
The team has been holding a training camp in Antalya since May 18 while awaiting the resolution of visa processes required for travel to the United States, one of the tournament co-hosts.
Visa delays and logistical adjustments
Iran’s World Cup preparations have been affected by ongoing visa delays linked to diplomatic tensions, with players still awaiting clearance to enter the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada from 11 June to 19 July.
The Iranian squad, known as Iran national football team, has been drawn in Group G and will play its matches against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 June and 21 June, followed by a fixture against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Travel plans and preparations
Team officials said the players are expected to travel to Mexico via Spain, following adjustments to their original logistics plan due to regional tensions and visa uncertainties.
Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, had earlier indicated that US visas were expected to be issued shortly, though confirmation remains pending.
The squad’s relocation to Tijuana replaces an earlier plan to base the team in Tucson, Arizona.
Final friendly before departure
Before leaving for Mexico, Iran will play a final warm-up match against Mali in Antalya on Thursday.
The team recently defeated Gambia 3–1 in a friendly match on 29 May as part of their World Cup preparations.
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