By Ado Oyeyemi
Mexican authorities have launched an investigation after a decomposing body was discovered inside a vehicle parked close to the training facility being used by Iran’s national football team during the ongoing FIFA World Cup.
The remains were found in the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV parked in a supermarket lot opposite Caliente Stadium in Tijuana, where the Iranian team has been preparing for its group-stage fixtures.
The discovery was made on Friday, with police cordoning off the area while forensic experts examined the scene before removing the body.
According to officials from the Tijuana prosecutor’s office, officers on patrol noticed the abandoned vehicle and conducted an inspection.
A spokesman for the agency said the victim was found wrapped in a black bag and showed signs of violence.
Preliminary findings suggest the vehicle may have been left at the location several days earlier.
The incident occurred as matches continued across the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Tijuana, a border city adjoining the United States, has long battled violent crime linked to organised criminal groups. Official records indicate that more than 1,200 homicides were reported in the city in 2025.
The Iranian national team had initially planned to establish its training base in Arizona, United States, but later relocated to Mexico amid heightened tensions involving Washington and Tehran.
Since arriving in Tijuana, the squad has operated under tight security, with armed personnel accompanying the team between its hotel and training venue.
Witnesses reported that the Iranian team’s convoy departed the stadium shortly after authorities removed the body from the scene.
As of the time of filing this report, there had been no official comment from the Iranian football delegation regarding the discovery or any potential review of its security arrangements.
Investigators have yet to identify the deceased or announce any arrests linked to the case.
