Iran World Cup Squad Arrives in Mexico Amid US Visa Dispute

TIJUANA, Mexico — Iran’s national football team arrived in Mexico on Sunday ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as tensions continue over a diplomatic dispute with the United States after several members of the team’s support staff were reportedly denied entry visas.

The Iranian squad landed in the border city of Tijuana after completing a training camp in Turkey, where players and officials had been processing visas for travel to the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Although Iran will be based in Mexico throughout the tournament, all three of its Group G matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.

The visa controversy emerged days before the start of the World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Support Staff Denied Entry Visas

While Iranian players were granted visas to compete in the tournament, Iran’s embassy in Turkey said several members of the delegation’s administrative and management team were denied entry permits.

According to Iranian officials, about 15 support staff members were affected by the decision, prompting criticism from Tehran.

In a statement posted on social media, the embassy accused Washington of discriminatory treatment and called on world football governing body FIFA to intervene.

“You have now escalated the deliberate and discriminatory treatment against Iran’s national football team to its highest level,” the embassy said, urging FIFA to hold the United States accountable for what it described as violations of football regulations.

Iran’s Football Federation also condemned the decision, describing it as political interference in sport. Federation president Mehdi Taj was reported to be among those denied visas.

However, a US administration official maintained that visas required for Iran’s participation in the World Cup had been issued.

“The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued,” the official said.

The official added that US authorities would not allow the visa process to be exploited by individuals posing security concerns.

Questions Over Travel Restrictions

Further uncertainty emerged after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said the team had been informed that it must enter and leave the United States on the same day as its matches.

“We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day,” Pasandideh told reporters.

The claim appeared to conflict with comments from Iran team spokesman Amir Mahdi Alavi, who said players had received multiple-entry visas and would travel to match venues one or two days before games, in line with FIFA requirements.

Under FIFA regulations, national team coaches are required to attend pre-match press conferences at the host venue before each fixture.

The dispute comes amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington following months of military confrontation involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Iran begin their World Cup campaign against the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face the Belgium national football team on June 21 before concluding their group-stage campaign against the Egypt national football team in Seattle on June 26.

The visa row has added an additional layer of complexity to Iran’s preparations as the team seeks to focus on its World Cup campaign amid ongoing political tensions.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.