Panic as corpse is found near Iran’s World Cup training camp

Police in Mexico have opened an investigation after a body was found inside a vehicle parked opposite Iran’s World Cup training base in Tijuana.

The decomposing body was discovered in a grey Toyota SUV left in a supermarket car park across from the facility being used by the Iranian national team.

Authorities said residents had reported a strong smell coming from the vehicle, which had reportedly been abandoned for several days.

According to the Tijuana prosecutor’s office, officers later inspected the SUV and found the body wrapped in a black bag in the boot.

The victim’s identity has not yet been released.

Officials said the body showed signs of violence, but the exact circumstances surrounding the death remain unclear.

Forensic investigators have examined the scene, while police have cordoned off the area as part of the probe.

There is no indication that the incident is connected to the Iranian team.

Iran’s national football team arrived in Tijuana last week ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign.

The team had initially planned to set up camp in Arizona, United States, but reportedly moved to Mexico after travel restrictions affected some officials and backroom staff.

Iran will begin their Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 16.

They are also scheduled to face Belgium in Los Angeles before travelling to Seattle for their final group match against Egypt.

The incident comes amid complaints by Iranian football authorities over alleged restrictions affecting their fans’ ticket allocation for the tournament.

Iran’s football federation accused the United States of actions it said were outside the spirit of international sporting competition.