Iran have moved theirs World Cup preparations for Mexico as the United States visa dispute continues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iran’s national team arrived in Tijuana on Sunday after abandoning plans to use Tucson, Arizona as a training base.
The move comes amid restrictions affecting members of the country’s world delegation ahead of the start of the tournament on June 11.
Iran qualified for the competition by topping their qualifying group in March 2025 and are scheduled to play all three of their group stage matches in the United States.
However, Iranian players and support staff were reportedly instructed to travel in and out of the US on match days rather than stay in the country during the tournament.
Officials denied visas
The visa issue has become a major talking point ahead of Iran’s first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Iranian authorities say 15 officials and support staff have been denied entry visas by the US. Reportedly, senior leaders of the football association and media personnel were affected.
Iran’s embassy in Turkey criticized the decision, describing it as “politically biased interference in sport” and claiming that “a large part of the management and executive staff” as well as “technical advisers” were barred from entry.
Embassy officials also called on FIFA to intervene in the matter.
US authorities, however, said visas had been issued to all players and “necessary support staff” 10 days before Iran’s first game.
Security concerns have arisen
US officials defended the restrictions, saying Iran would not be allowed to “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”
The comments followed remarks by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who said that individuals with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be allowed into the country as part of a delegation.
Several members of the Iranian squad had previously served mandatory military service involving the organization.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. After meeting New Zealand, Iran will continue their campaign with group stage matches against Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle.
