A decomposing body was discovered in a vehicle in a supermarket car park directly opposite Iran's 2026 World Cup training facility in Tijuana, Mexico. Local authorities have confirmed they are investigating the death.
Discovery of the Body
The grim find was made in a car park opposite the facility being used by Iran during the World Cup. The vehicle had reportedly been abandoned for several days before authorities were alerted to a strong smell emanating from within. According to the prosecutor's office in Tijuana, officers found a body in the boot of a grey Toyota SUV, believed to have been there since Wednesday, June 10. "Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence," stated authorities in an initial report. The identity of the victim has not yet been disclosed, and investigations are ongoing.
Iran's World Cup Preparations
Despite the unsettling discovery near their base, Iran's preparations have proceeded without disruption as the team focuses on its tournament opener. Iran had originally planned to establish its training camp in Arizona, but visa and travel restrictions affecting members of the Iranian delegation necessitated a relocation to Mexico. The squad is stationed in Tijuana and will travel into the United States for its World Cup matches. Iran arrived in Tijuana last week and has been training at Club Tijuana's facilities while dealing with logistical issues from the visa row. Multiple federation officials and backroom staff were allegedly refused entry visas to the US, leading FIFA and tournament organisers to sanction a Mexico-based training camp for the entire group stage.
Group Stage and Ticket Controversy
Placed in Group G, Iran will face Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand as they attempt to progress to the knockout rounds. Earlier this week, the Iranian Football Federation released a scathing statement after fans were told their ticket allocation for World Cup fixtures had been withdrawn. The federation said: "With less than 3 days left until the start of the 2026 World Cup, unfortunately, in a series of decisions and actions outside conventional sporting frameworks by the host country, this time the United States has attempted to sabotage the presence of Iranian fans in the stadium where the national team will play 3 games in the group stage. According to FIFA regulations, 8% of ticket capacity for each match is allocated to participating federations. However, in an unexpected move, the quota allocated to the Iranian Football Federation has been withdrawn, and under current circumstances, it is not possible to provide even a single ticket to fans through the federation. This deprives Iranian fans of access to the legal and official quota, contrary to the spirit of international competitions and the principle of equality between participating countries."
