A body has been discovered outside the training base used by Iran’s national football team in Mexico, just days before their opening World Cup match, according to reporting by AFP.

The remains were found in Tijuana near the Caliente Stadium area, where Iran’s squad has been preparing for its first fixtures in the tournament co-hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.

According to AFP journalists at the scene, police recovered a decomposed body from a vehicle parked close to a supermarket opposite the stadium. Authorities said the victim appeared to have suffered violent injuries, and the car had been abandoned for several days.

Specialised investigators in protective gear examined the scene before removing the body. The Tijuana prosecutor’s office confirmed that a patrol unit made the discovery and that a formal investigation is underway.

The incident has intensified attention on security arrangements around visiting teams, with Iran’s squad already operating under armed escort due to heightened safety concerns in the region.

Tijuana, a border city with a long-standing struggle with organised crime, recorded more than 1,200 homicides in 2025, according to official figures.

Iran are due to begin their World Cup campaign in the United States, with security measures expected to remain tight throughout their stay in Mexico for training.