Iran’s World Cup camp in Tijuana unfolds under armed guard and political shadow
The Guardian • • sports
Key Points:
- The Iran national football team has relocated its World Cup base to Tijuana, Mexico, from Tucson, Arizona, due to heightened security concerns following US and Israeli attacks on Iran's leadership.
- Security around the team's temporary training ground at Estadio Caliente is extremely tight, with armed patrols and strict access controls reflecting the tense political backdrop.
- Local Mexican fans and Club Tijuana staff have warmly welcomed the Iranian team, despite the sudden logistical challenges and political tensions surrounding their presence.
- The Iranian team is under intense pressure, caught between domestic political expectations, diaspora criticism, and limited international support, complicating their World Cup participation.
- Due to visa denials and political sensitivities, the team faces difficulties in arranging competitive friendlies and managing media relations, with much of their support staff absent for upcoming events.