World Cup
Iran Shifts World Cup Base Camp From U.S. To Mexico
Iran have shifted their World Cup base camp from the United States to Mexico after FIFA approved a request by the country’s football federation to relocate the team’s training headquarters from Arizona to the Mexican border city of Tijuana.
The decision, announced on Saturday by Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, is aimed at easing travel and visa concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We will be based in the Tijuana camp, which is near the Pacific Ocean and on the border between Mexico and the United States,” Taj said in a video message posted on the federation’s Telegram account.
According to Taj, the relocation offers logistical advantages and reduces complications linked to entry into the United States. He added that the Iranian delegation would now be able to travel directly to Mexico aboard Iran Air flights.
The move comes amid months of uncertainty surrounding visa approvals and security arrangements for the Iranian team. Earlier this month, Iranian officials disclosed that players and staff were still awaiting U.S. visas with less than a month before the tournament begins.
Taj said the federation had sought assurances from FIFA regarding visas, security and the treatment of the Iranian delegation during the tournament.
Iran are scheduled to play their opening two Group G matches in Los Angeles, facing New Zealand on June 15 before taking on Belgium six days later. Their final group match against Egypt will be played in Seattle on June 26.
The federation believes Tijuana offers a strategic advantage because of its proximity to Los Angeles.
“The total distance between us and the venue of our games in Los Angeles is 55 minutes by flight,” Taj explained, noting that the Mexican city was closer to the match venues than the team’s previously selected base in Arizona.
FIFA has yet to officially comment on the relocation request approved for the Iranian team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Uruguay will look to maintain their unbeaten FIFA World Cup record against African opposition when they take on tournament debutants Cabo Verde in a crucial Group H encounter on Sunday.
The two-time world champions face a Cabo Verde side brimming with confidence after the island nation earned a remarkable goalless draw against Spain in their previous outing, one of the biggest results in their football history.
Uruguay have never lost to an African team at the World Cup, recording three victories and two draws in five previous meetings. However, the South Americans know they cannot afford complacency against a Cabo Verde side that has already demonstrated its ability to frustrate established football powers.
For Cabo Verde, the match represents another opportunity to enhance their growing reputation on the global stage. The Blue Sharks impressed observers with their disciplined defensive display against Spain and will be eager to prove that result was no fluke.
Uruguay, meanwhile, will rely on their vast World Cup experience as they seek maximum points and a stronger foothold in the race for a place in the knockout rounds.
With confidence high in both camps, the clash promises to be a fascinating contest between one of football’s traditional giants and one of the tournament’s most inspiring newcomers.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Spain will attempt to strengthen their position in Group H when they face Saudi Arabia in a FIFA World Cup encounter that rekindles memories of their previous meeting two decades ago.
The two nations last met at the World Cup during the 2006 tournament in Germany, when a solitary goal from Juanito secured a 1-0 victory for Spain in Kaiserslautern.
La Roja enter the fixture determined to return to winning ways after being held to a surprise draw by tournament debutants Cabo Verde. The Spanish side will be keen to avoid another setback as the group stage enters a decisive phase.
Saudi Arabia, however, have ambitions of creating history. The Green Falcons are seeking their first World Cup victory against European opposition since their memorable 1-0 triumph over Belgium at the 1994 tournament in the United States.
A positive result would significantly boost Saudi Arabia’s hopes of progressing to the knockout stage while adding another notable chapter to their World Cup story.
With both teams aware of the importance of the fixture, Sunday’s encounter could prove pivotal in shaping the final Group H standings.
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BY KUNLE SOLAJA, NEW YORK
Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois stands on the brink of history as the Red Devils prepare to face Iran in a crucial Group G match at the FIFA World Cup.
The veteran shot-stopper could equal Belgium’s record of 17 World Cup appearances if selected, underlining his status as one of the country’s most enduring and influential players.
Belgium will be looking for a strong performance as they continue their quest for qualification from a competitive group, but they face an Iranian side buoyed by the form of defender-turned-goalscorer Ramin Rezaeian.
Rezaeian has emerged as one of Iran’s most surprising attacking weapons and is aiming to score in a fourth consecutive international match, a feat that would further enhance his growing reputation.
The clash pits Belgium’s experience and pedigree against Iran’s determination and resilience, with both teams fully aware that a positive result could prove decisive in the battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
As the stakes rise in Group G, individual milestones and team ambitions are set to collide in what promises to be an intriguing contest.
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