Body found outside Tijuana stadium where Iran’s World Cup team trains

A decomposing body was found in the trunk of an abandoned SUV outside the Tijuana stadium where Iran’s national soccer team has been preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mexican authorities launched a murder investigation on June 12 after the discovery, though they have drawn no connection between the death and the tournament.

The body was wrapped in a black plastic bag and showed signs of violence, according to local police. It was found inside a gray Toyota SUV parked in a supermarket lot directly across from Estadio Caliente, the venue Iran’s squad has been using for training sessions.

Local investigators noted the body was in an advanced state of decomposition, suggesting it may have been in the vehicle for some time before being found. The supermarket parking lot sits within view of the stadium complex where Iran’s team, known as Team Melli, set up their World Cup training camp in early June.

Authorities have been clear that no link exists between the homicide and the Iranian national team or any World Cup operations. The investigation is being treated as a standalone criminal matter, separate from the international sporting event.

Iran’s training schedule has reportedly continued without disruption. The team is preparing for its group stage matches, including a match against New Zealand, in what marks its seventh appearance at a FIFA World Cup. The 2026 tournament is being co-hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada.

Iran’s delegation was already operating under heightened security protocols before the body was discovered. The extra precautions stem from geopolitical tensions between Iran and the United States, which contributed to the team relocating its training camp to Tijuana due to logistical challenges and visa issues associated with ongoing U.S.-Iran diplomatic tensions.

The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams and the first to be hosted across three countries simultaneously.

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