Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be permitted to enter the United States the day before each of their three World Cup group-stage matches, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed on Tuesday. This development comes amid ongoing visa disputes and open military conflict between Washington and Tehran.
Visa Challenges and Delegation Issues
While the players have successfully obtained the necessary visas to enter the United States for matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle, not all members of the Iranian delegation received them. The visa controversy erupted just days before the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off on Thursday and is jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The Iranian team will be based in Tijuana throughout the tournament, despite playing their entire group stage in the United States. According to Amir Mehdi Alavi, spokesperson for the Iranian federation, speaking to Iran's ISNA news agency, the team will travel to the host city one day before their match against New Zealand and two days before each of the subsequent matches.
Political Tensions and Symbol Warnings
Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali issued a stern warning regarding the display of symbols during matches. He stated that if any flag or symbol other than that of the Islamic Republic of Iran is seen in the stadiums, or if norm-breaking slogans are chanted, the team official has a duty to stop the match. He emphasized that it is the responsibility of the organizers to rectify such situations.
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team's travel arrangements are being coordinated under FIFA's program, with charter flights facilitating their movement across the border.
