A decomposing corpse was discovered in the trunk of a vehicle parked near the stadium where the Iranian national team trains for the World Cup in Tijuana, northwestern Mexico, according to AFP journalists on the scene Friday.
The discovery happened in the parking lot of a shopping center right across from the Estadio Caliente. This is where the Iranian team has been holding its daily training sessions since arriving on Sunday. The site is also about a minute’s drive from the hotel where the delegation is staying.
The vehicle in question, a gray Toyota SUV, had been parked for several days, according to local authorities. When police opened it, a strong smell of decomposition filled the air, confirming the advanced state of the body found inside the trunk.
Specialized units were deployed to the scene. Forensic technicians, dressed in protective suits, began their initial investigations around the vehicle before starting the process of retrieving and evacuating the body. The entire area was secured to allow for investigations.
Contacted by AFP, the Tijuana prosecutor’s office stated that a patrol had initially spotted the suspicious vehicle during a routine round. “Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the back of the trunk, showing signs of violence,” a preliminary report from the judicial authorities indicated.
According to information provided by the prosecutor’s office, the car had been stationary at the site since the Wednesday before the discovery. No additional details were immediately released regarding the victim’s identity or the exact circumstances of the death, as the investigation was still ongoing at the time of the initial reports.
The city of Tijuana, located at the border with the United States, is often cited for its high crime rate. Official statistics report over 1,200 homicides recorded in 2025 in this area, making it one of the most dangerous regions in the country.
In this context, the Iranian national team set up its base in this border city due to logistical and security constraints related to the regional situation. This decision replaced an initial plan to stay in Tucson, Arizona.
Since their arrival, the Iranian team has been under heightened security. A significant security detail has been established, including several armed National Guard vehicles tasked with escorting the team between the hotel and the stadium.
Players are systematically accompanied during their trips to and from the training facilities. On Friday, the security convoy left the stadium shortly after the body was handled and evacuated by the relevant services.
When asked by AFP if additional measures would be taken to enhance the team’s security after this incident, the team’s communications officer did not respond immediately.
