Team Melli had originally planned to prepare for the tournament in Tucson, Arizona, but will now establish their headquarters in Tijuana ahead of the expanded 48-team competition.
According to the Associated Press, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed the decision after extensive discussions with FIFA officials.
The move is viewed as a strategic response to the complex geopolitical climate surrounding the national team’s stay in North America.
Taj also revealed that several high-level meetings were held to ensure the relocation complied fully with FIFA regulations and tournament logistics.
“All team base camps for the countries participating in the World Cup must be approved by FIFA,” Taj said in his statement.
“Fortunately, following the requests we submitted and the meetings we held with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul, as well as the webinar meeting we had yesterday in Tehran with the respected FIFA secretary general, our request to change the team’s base from the United States to Mexico was approved.”