As reported by AFP, the discovery took place in the parking lot of a supermarket located directly opposite the Caliente sports complex. This is where Iran's national team taking part in the FIFA World Cup has been training every day since arriving in Mexico on Sunday.
Corpses next to the stadium where the Iranians train. Investigators for details
The decomposing body was found by a supermarket security patrol. The case was taken up by the prosecutor's office in Tijuana, which provided the first findings.
The human remains were found in the trunk of a car with California license plates. The car had been parked in this place since Wednesday, according to investigators' findings.
“After checking the vehicle, the officers found a person in the trunk wrapped in a black bag, showing signs of violence,” we read in the preliminary report of the services.
Relocation of the Iranian base from Arizona to Tijuana
Tijuana is one of the most dangerous centers in Mexico, a country struggling with pervasive drug trafficking and one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Official data shows that in 2025, over 1,200 murders were recorded there.
Originally, the Iranian national team was to be based in Tucson, Arizona. However, the war and tensions between Tehran and Washington forced a change of plans and the transfer of the base to Tijuana, located right next to the border with California.
From the moment they arrive in Mexico, Iranian players have been moving under the protection of several vehicles with heavily armed National Guard soldiers. The escort accompanies the bus every time the players leave the hotel for the stadium and return after training.
On Friday, the convoy left the premises a few minutes after investigators finished removing the body from a car parked nearby.
The Iranians will play their group stage matches in the United States. Their first match will be against the New Zealand national team on the night from Monday to Tuesday in Los Angeles.
