A decomposing body was discovered in the trunk of an abandoned SUV parked near a Tijuana stadium where Iran's national soccer team is currently training for the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2026. The Mexican authorities initiated a murder investigation on June 12 following this alarming find. However, they emphasize that there is no connection between this tragic event and the World Cup preparations.
Local police reported that the body was wrapped in a black plastic bag and exhibited signs indicating violence. Its discovery occurred in a gray Toyota SUV situated in a supermarket parking lot directly opposite Estadio Caliente, which Iran's team, known as Team Melli, has been using for their training sessions. The investigation revealed that the body was in an advanced stage of decomposition, suggesting it may have been in the vehicle for a considerable amount of time prior to its identification.
Despite the unsettling nature of this event, authorities made it clear that no direct link exists between the homicide and the Iranian national team or any World Cup-related operations. The investigation will proceed as a separate criminal matter, independent of the international sporting activity.
Regardless of these events, Iran's training schedule continues uninterrupted. They are actively preparing for their group stage matches, including a fixture against New Zealand, as they participate in their seventh FIFA World Cup. This tournament is noteworthy as it will be jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States, and Canada and is significant for being the first to feature 48 teams.