Iran's World Cup Team Arrives in Mexico Amid Visa Dispute

Iran's World Cup squad arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. This arrival comes amid a significant diplomatic row regarding visa issues with the U.S.

The Iranian team had spent nearly three weeks training in Antalya, Turkey, before their departure. However, 15 members of the support staff were denied U.S. visas, leading to accusations from Iranian diplomats of discriminatory treatment against the national football team.

Iran's ambassador to Mexico criticized the U.S. for violating FIFA rules and called for accountability. The team is set to play its first match in the U.S., but the visa issues have raised concerns about their ability to enter U.S. soil.

The Iranian Football Federation's chief, Mehdi Taj, described the visa denials as political interference in sports. The U.S.

State Department confirmed that visas were necessary for the Iranian team and support staff to compete in the World Cup.