RismadarVoice Reporters, June 7, 2026
Iran’s national football team has arrived in Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid an escalating dispute with the United States over visa approvals for members of its delegation.
The squad landed in Tijuana after completing a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and will use the Mexican border city as its base during the tournament.
The move follows growing tensions between Tehran and Washington after several Iranian football federation officials and support staff were reportedly denied US visas.
While Iranian players and key coaching personnel were eventually granted entry permits, several executives, advisers and media staff remain unable to enter the United States.
Iranian authorities have strongly criticised the visa decisions, describing them as discriminatory and contrary to the principles of international sport. The country’s football federation has indicated it may raise the issue with FIFA, arguing that restrictions on support personnel could affect the team’s participation and preparation during the tournament.
Originally, Iran had planned to establish its World Cup training base in Arizona. However, uncertainty surrounding visa approvals and broader political tensions prompted a last-minute relocation to Tijuana.
From Mexico, the team is expected to travel into the United States for its group-stage matches before returning across the border.
US officials have maintained that visas were issued for athletes and essential support staff while citing national security considerations for other decisions. The dispute comes as the United States, Mexico and Canada jointly host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Iran scheduled to play its group matches on American soil.
Despite the diplomatic row, Iran’s participation in the tournament is set to proceed, although the visa controversy has added a political dimension to the team’s World Cup campaign.
