Iran’s World Cup Squad Begins Training in Mexico Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Iran’s national football team held their first open training session in Tijuana, Mexico, on Thursday, providing a rare public glimpse of a squad facing uncertainty due to ongoing tensions with the United States. The team relocated their base camp from Arizona to Tijuana after arriving for the tournament, maintaining a low profile since their initial arrival. During the 15-minute media window, a limited group of players participated in light warm-up routines, including jogging and stretching exercises.

Only 12 of the 26-player squad, known as “Team Melli,” attended the session, with key striker Mehdi Taremi notably absent. The players wore green jerseys and trained on the pitch of Tijuana’s local club, Xolos, before returning to their accommodations. Iran’s opening match is scheduled for Monday in Los Angeles against New Zealand, with the team expected to enter the U.S. on Sunday for an overnight stay.

Logistical challenges have complicated preparations, as Iran’s ambassador to Mexico previously indicated the team would be restricted to entering the U.S. on match days and departing immediately afterward. This situation stems from the broader geopolitical backdrop of the 2025 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, following recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran that triggered regional instability and global economic ripple effects.

The training session coincided with U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement of a potential “great settlement” to conclude hostilities, suggesting a deal might be finalized in Europe within days.

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