TeamMelli arrived in Tijuana after a 19‑day training camp in Antalya, Turkey. The delegation traveled under the banner “Minab Martyrs” and wore the hashtag “#168” on their official uniforms to commemorate the victims.
The 24‑hour journey from Antalya began with a five‑hour flight to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. After a 2.5‑hour refueling stop, the plane continued across the Atlantic for a 16.5‑hour flight, landing at Tijuana airport at 6 a.m. local time (4:30 p.m. Tehran time). The squad was welcomed by Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, FIFA officials, and local authorities.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei spent much of the flight watching New Zealand’s recent matches, using the time to analyze Iran’s first opponent in the World Cup group stage. Iran will face New Zealand in their tournament opener.
