Decomposing body found outside Iran’s World Cup training center in Mexico
Iran are staying in Mexico after the U.S. government imposed travel restrictions on their participation in World Cup 2026.
A decomposing body has been found in a vehicle parked outside Iran’s World Cup training center in Tijuana, Mexico, according to local authorities.
The discovery was made in a supermarket parking lot directly across from the facility being used by Iran during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The vehicle had reportedly been parked there for several days before police were alerted by a strong odor coming from inside.
Where was the body found near Iran’s training camp?
According to the Tijuana prosecutor’s office, officers responding to the scene found a body in the trunk of a gray Toyota SUV.
“Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence,” authorities said in an initial statement.
Investigators added that the vehicle had been parked in the lot since Wednesday. No information about the victim’s identity has been released, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident took place near Iran’s training base in Tijuana, where Team Melli is preparing for the tournament. Iran had originally planned to establish its camp in Arizona but was forced to relocate to Mexico amid visa and travel restrictions imposed by the U.S. government on members of the Iranian delegation. The team is staying in Tijuana and flying into the United States for its matches.
Iran was drawn into Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium and New Zealand.
Iran’s Group G schedule (ET)
- Iran vs. New Zealand — June 15, Los Angeles — 9:00 p.m. ET
- Iran vs. Belgium — June 21, Los Angeles — 9:00 p.m. ET
- Iran vs. Egypt — June 26, Seattle — 10:00 p.m. ET
Iran arrived in Tijuana last week and has been training at Club Tijuana’s facilities while dealing with the logistical complications created by the visa dispute. Several federation officials and staff members were denied U.S. visas, forcing FIFA and tournament organizers to approve a Mexico-based camp for the duration of the group stage.
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