Authorities in Mexico have launched an investigation after a decomposing body was found inside a vehicle parked close to the training base of Iran’s national football team participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The corpse was discovered in the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV parked in a supermarket car park opposite Caliente Stadium in Tijuana, where the Iranian team has been conducting training sessions ahead of its group-stage matches in the United States.
According to local authorities, police officers on patrol uncovered the body during an inspection of the abandoned vehicle.
A spokesperson for the Tijuana prosecutor’s office said the victim was found wrapped in a black bag and bore visible signs of violence.
The official added that preliminary findings suggested the vehicle had been left at the location since Wednesday.
Following the discovery, forensic experts dressed in protective gear cordoned off the area and carried out investigations before removing the remains.
The incident occurred amid ongoing World Cup activities across Mexico, the United States and Canada, which are jointly hosting the global football tournament.
Tijuana, a border city adjoining the United States, has long struggled with violent crime linked to organised criminal groups. Official records indicate that more than 1,200 homicide cases were reported in the city in 2025.
Iran’s national team had initially planned to establish its World Cup training camp in Arizona, United States, but later relocated to Mexico due to security concerns arising from tensions involving Washington.
Since arriving in Tijuana, the team has reportedly operated under heightened security, with armed personnel accompanying players and officials between their hotel and training venue.
Witnesses said the Iranian team’s convoy departed the stadium shortly after authorities completed the removal of the body from the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, officials of the Iranian delegation had not responded to enquiries regarding whether the incident would affect the team’s security arrangements.