A decomposing body has been discovered inside the trunk of a parked vehicle near a stadium used as a training base by Iran’s national football team in Mexico, according to AFP journalists at the scene.
The shocking discovery was made in Tijuana, where the 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Reporters witnessed security operatives and forensic officers opening a grey Toyota SUV with California licence plates in the parking lot of a supermarket opposite the Caliente Stadium, where Iran’s squad, also known as Team Melli, has been preparing for its group-stage matches in the United States.
Officials said the vehicle had reportedly been abandoned since Wednesday before it was flagged by a patrol team.
A spokesperson for the Tijuana prosecutor’s office confirmed that officers found a body wrapped in a black bag inside the boot of the car, adding that the remains showed signs of violence.
Specialists in protective gear were later deployed to the scene to carry out an initial examination before evacuating the corpse for further investigation.
The disturbing incident occurred amid rising concerns over security in Tijuana, a border city long troubled by organised crime and high homicide rates. Official figures indicate that more than 1,200 killings were recorded in the city in 2025 alone.
Authorities also noted that recent hot weather, with temperatures reaching about 28°C, had accelerated decomposition.
The Iranian team, whose participation in the tournament has been under heightened scrutiny due to geopolitical tensions, had initially planned to base its camp in Arizona but relocated to Mexico amid ongoing hostilities.
Since arriving in the country, the team has been under tight security, with armed escorts accompanying players between their hotel and training venues.
Shortly after the body was removed on Friday, the team’s security convoy was seen departing the stadium area.
Officials of the Iranian football federation have yet to issue a statement regarding the incident or security arrangements around the team’s camp.
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