Tijuana dominates headlines as cross-border drug busts and shifting World Cup training bases hook readers; Mexico’s busy border city sits at the frontier of security issues and policy shifts. Population hub in Baja California.
Iran has moved its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, citing security concerns and ongoing regional tensions. Mehdi Taj has announced the change, with Iran’s team base now positioned in Tijuana to support games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Federal prosecutors have charged four suspects in a major drug-smuggling operation tied to the Jalisco New Generation cartel. A 55-foot-deep tunnel with electric and ventilation was found beneath a San Diego store linked to the scheme, with more than a ton of cocaine seized and the tunnel extending into Tijuana. Investigations have led to multiple arrests and ongoing probes in both the U.S. and Mexico.
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced visa hurdles amid US-Iran tensions. Officials say players, coaches and some staff have visas, while some backroom staff remain visa-free. Iran moved training from Arizona to Tijuana and will play group games in the United States, Seattle and Los Angeles, with the federation pursuing FIFA-led resolution.
Iran's national football team has landed in Tijuana after training in Turkey and has secured U.S. visas for players only. Fifteen technical and administrative staff have been denied U.S. entry. Under visa conditions the squad will operate from a Mexican base and will cross into the United States around match days for their Group G fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran has confronted the United States over visa denials affecting key staff as its World Cup squad departs Antalya for Mexico ahead of group games in the United States. Tehran says the move disrupts participation, while FIFA is expected to monitor the issue as the tournament opens.
Iran’s football federation says its ticket allocation for World Cup matches in the United States has been withdrawn, leaving supporters unable to attend. The claim follows visa hurdles and broader US-Israel-Iran hostilities as the tournament opens, with Iran relocating its base to Mexico.
Mexico has hosted World Cup matches while many local fans say they have been priced out of stadiums and pay-TV coverage. Critics and Mexico's president have protested soaring ticket costs — including final tickets listed at tens of thousands of dollars — while FIFA has defended its pricing and offered limited $60 tickets and resale options.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the body’s handling of visa issues and ticket pricing ahead of the World Cup, stating FIFA is a sports organization and cannot override governments. He says solutions are being sought, but acknowledges limits as Iran’s participation and a Somali referee’s entry into the US raise ongoing worries.
Authorities say a body wrapped in a black bag has been found in the trunk of a gray Toyota SUV with California plates in a supermarket parking lot opposite Tijuana’s Caliente Stadium. Iran’s national squad is using Tijuana as a base for World Cup preparations amid visa delays and travel restrictions. The city has a high murder rate, and the investigation continues as teams prepare for group-stage play.
Iran’s World Cup campaign in the United States has been shaped by visa restrictions and travel hurdles, with Tehran’s delegation facing limited access and diplomatic friction as it prepares for a Group G match against Belgium in Los Angeles.
Iran’s team has faced travel hurdles and political tensions as they prepare for their World Cup match schedule in the United States. Players report tension around visas, travel logistics, and protests, while coaches emphasize football as the focus despite the wider context.
Iran has faced logistical restrictions at the World Cup in the United States, with travel rules requiring entry a day before games and immediate return to base. Iran’s coach has criticized the process as disruptive and say FIFA is assisting, while questions remain over visas and recovery time ahead of key group matches.