Mexican authorities are investigating the discovery of a decomposing body in the trunk of an SUV parked just meters from the stadium where Iran’s national team is training for the 2026 World Cup, casting a grim shadow over a tournament already fraught with political tensions.
The body was found on Friday evening inside a gray Toyota SUV with California license plates, abandoned in the parking lot of a supermarket directly across from the Estadio Caliente — the home training ground of the Iranian squad. Authorities believe the vehicle had been parked there since Wednesday, leaving the body exposed to temperatures reaching up to 28°C (82°F) before passersby reported an overwhelming stench.
According to the Tijuana prosecutor’s office, a police patrol was dispatched after area residents complained of a foul odor emanating from the vehicle. “Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence,” a spokesman said. A supermarket security guard told AFP that people had been complaining about the smell for two days before the discovery was made.
Forensic specialists in white protective suits were seen examining and removing the remains while the body was transported for autopsy. No arrests have been reported, and the victim has not yet been publicly identified.
No Immediate Link to Iranian Team, But Security Concerns Mount
Prosecutors have stressed there is no immediate indication the discovery is linked to the Iranian delegation or World Cup activities, though the body was found “just metres” from the team’s training facility. The incident nevertheless has heightened fears over security in a city already notorious for cartel-related violence.
Tijuana, a bustling border metropolis of more than 2.3 million people, is consistently ranked among Mexico’s 10 most violent cities. In 2025 alone, the city recorded 1,219 homicides — a 32% reduction from the previous year but a figure that still underscores the persistent dangers of the region, which serves as a major corridor for drug smuggling.
Despite the ongoing investigation, Iranian team preparations have continued uninterrupted. On Friday, the squad’s convoy departed the stadium just minutes after forensic personnel removed the body from the scene.
Iran’s Perilous Path to the World Cup
The grisly discovery adds to a tumultuous World Cup journey for “Team Melli.” Originally slated to train at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, the team was forced to relocate to Tijuana in late May after U.S. visa delays and travel restrictions prevented many of its officials and support staff from entering the country. In addition, ongoing hostilities between the U.S. and Iran, including military strikes that began in February, effectively closed the door on American soil as a viable base.
Since arriving in Tijuana last week, the Iranian squad has operated under heavy security, with open-top patrol trucks, helmeted officers carrying machine guns, and strict access controls surrounding the Estadio Caliente 24 hours a day. The team travels between its hotel and the training ground under armed escort, and only limited information about training schedules has been released.
Iran is scheduled to play its opening Group G match against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, before facing Belgium and Egypt. The team has been granted visas for players and essential staff, but 15 other Iranian officials — including the federation chief and media director — remain barred from entry.
Local Reactions and Official Response
Tijuana residents expressed a mix of shock and resignation. While the city has grown accustomed to violence, the timing and location near a high-profile World Cup training site have drawn unwanted international attention.
The Tijuana prosecutor’s office continues to investigate. “We are working to identify the victim and determine the circumstances of the killing,” a spokesman said, adding that no motive has been established.
The Iranian football federation has not commented publicly on the discovery. However, a team official confirmed to AFP that security measures remain unchanged and that the squad is focused solely on its tournament preparations.
Mexican officials have assured the public that security for all participating teams remains a priority. As forensic teams search for answers, the decomposing body in the parking lot across from Estadio Caliente stands as a stark reminder of the security challenges that accompany a major international event in one of the world’s most violent regions.
