Iran moves FIFA World Cup training camp from Tucson to Tijuana

TUCSON, Ariz. — Southern Arizona will no longer serve as Iran’s training home during the upcoming FIFA World Cup, county officials announced Monday.

FIFA notified Pima County that Iran’s national soccer team will move its World Cup training basecamp from Kino Sports Complex in Tucson to Tijuana, Mexico, according to county leaders.

The decision ends months of planning by local officials, tourism leaders and public safety partners who had prepared to host the team for three weeks in June.

“While we are of course disappointed, the amount of collaboration with our partners and the planning that went into this reinforces that Pima County and Kino Sports Complex have the ability to host events of this magnitude,” Pima County Stadium District Director Sarah Hanna said in a statement.

Pima County Board of Supervisors Chair Jen Allen said the county was proud FIFA had selected Kino Sports Complex as a World Cup training facility and said the region had been ready to welcome the Iranian team.

“Sport can often be a source of diplomacy, and our community was ready to show that even when nations are in conflict, it’s possible to pause and be welcoming, hospitable, and respectful through sport,” Allen said. “Sport is a great unifier, and we hope for nothing but success for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in North America and that it will show we all have more in common with one another than we do differences.”

Visit Tucson President and CEO Felipe Garcia said the selection of Kino Sports Complex as a World Cup training site had already brought international attention to the region.

“Major international events require flexibility and coordination across many levels, and we appreciate the collaboration we had with FIFA, local organizers, and public safety partners during the planning efforts,” Garcia said. “We echo Pima County’s sentiments and are incredibly proud of how our entire community came together in preparation for serving as a FIFA World Cup base camp.”

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