Iran’s national football team has arrived at its reassigned training base in Mexico ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid an ongoing visa dispute with the United States that has complicated its build-up to the tournament.
According to officials, the squad will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, and will only travel into the United States for match days due to visa restrictions affecting parts of the delegation.
Iran’s players and key coaching staff have been granted entry visas, but several members of the technical and administrative team were denied access, creating logistical challenges for the squad.
A White House official confirmed the approvals, saying visas had been issued just days before Iran’s opening match.
However, Iranian officials say the situation remains incomplete.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said earlier that the team had not initially received clearance, but visas were later approved.
The arrangement has forced Iran to abandon plans to base itself in the United States.
Reports also indicate that Iran will not be allowed to remain in the U.S. between matches, a restriction that could affect recovery and preparation time during the tournament.
Iranian football authorities have criticised the process, describing it as politically influenced and inconsistent with international sporting standards.
“The squad had still not received their U.S. visas,” Pasandideh said before confirmation of approvals.
Officials continue to push for additional clearances for excluded staff as the tournament approaches.
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