A decomposed body was discovered in the boot of a car parked close to the stadium where Iran’s World Cup squad is currently training in Mexico, AFP journalists at the scene reported on Friday.
The shocking find occurred as tournament matches continue in the competition jointly hosted by Mexico, the United States and Canada.
Reporters witnessed police in Tijuana opening the trunk of a grey Toyota SUV with California number plates in the car park of a supermarket located directly opposite the Caliente Stadium, where Team Melli are preparing for their group-stage fixtures in the United States.
Forensic specialists in white protective suits were seen examining the remains before the body was removed from the scene.
According to the prosecutor’s office in Tijuana, the corpse was discovered during a routine patrol.
“Upon inspecting the vehicle, they found a person wrapped in a black bag in the trunk, showing signs of violence,” a spokesman said, adding the car was believed to have been abandoned on Wednesday.
Authorities noted that temperatures in the city have recently climbed to around 28°C (82°F), with prolonged periods of intense sunshine.
Mexico continues to grapple with violent drug cartels and records one of the highest homicide rates globally.
Tijuana, which lies along the border with the United States, is considered particularly dangerous, with official figures indicating more than 1,200 murders in 2025.
The Iranian national team, whose World Cup build-up had already been affected by tensions linked to conflict with the United States, initially planned to base their training camp in Arizona before relocating to Mexico due to ongoing hostilities.
Since arriving, the squad has been operating under strict security measures and is escorted by armed personnel between their hotel and training venue.
On Friday, the team’s convoy departed the stadium shortly after the body was removed from the area.
There was no immediate response from AFP to inquiries regarding the team’s security arrangements.
