Iran have arrived in Mexico ahead of the 2026 World Cup, but players and officials have expressed frustration over US visa delays and restrictions affecting members of their delegation.
Iran’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by a diplomatic dispute after the team’s arrival in Mexico was delayed by visa issues involving the United States.
The incompetent @FIFAWorldCup host, USA, is failing to fulfill its responsibilities properly.
We are guests of @FIFAcom, and it is FIFA’s responsibility to ensure that visas for all members are issued.
US Denies Visas to Iran National Football Team Officials Ahead of World…
— Iran Embassy SA (@IraninSA) June 6, 2026
The squad landed in the border city of Tijuana on Sunday following a training camp in Turkey, where players and staff spent several weeks preparing for the tournament and applying for travel documents needed to enter the host nations.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced his frustration upon arrival, arguing that the team should have reached Mexico much earlier to properly adjust to the significant time difference ahead of their opening match.
Despite thanking FIFA for its efforts to facilitate the team’s participation, Ghalenoei admitted that both he and his players were disappointed by the situation, describing the treatment as unprecedented in his experience of international football.
🚨 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: Iran’s players have finally received their visas for the United States.
However, they will face a unique restriction: they will not be permitted to remain in the United States for an extended period, as their visas are only temporary.
As a result, Iran will… pic.twitter.com/uETkoPficn
— The Touchline | 𝐓 (@TouchlineX) June 5, 2026
Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi also expressed concern over the late approval of US visas, questioning why the process took so long and insisting that the squad remained fully focused and confident about its chances of progressing beyond the group stage.
The controversy centres on reports that several members of Iran’s support staff were denied visas to enter the United States.
Iranian officials claim that around 15 administrative and management personnel have been affected, prompting strong criticism from the country’s football federation and diplomatic representatives.
Iran’s embassy in Turkey condemned what it described as discriminatory treatment toward the national team and called on FIFA to investigate the matter. The Iranian Football Federation has gone further, characterising the situation as political interference in sport.
Additional confusion emerged regarding travel restrictions placed on the team. Iranian officials offered differing accounts of whether players would be required to enter and leave the United States on the same day as their matches or whether they would be allowed to arrive in advance in accordance with FIFA regulations.
🚨🇮🇷 NEW: Iran’s World Cup squad has been notified they must enter and leave US soil on the same day of their matches played in the United States
All of Iran’s group stage games are in the US
– 15th June – 🇳🇿 New Zealand
– 21st June – 🇧🇪 Belgium
– 26th June – 🇪🇬 Egypt— Politics Global (@PolitlcsGlobal) June 6, 2026
Iran will be based in Tijuana throughout the World Cup despite all three of its Group G matches taking place in the United States.
The team begins its campaign against New Zealand on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt, with hopes of putting the off-field distractions behind them and making a strong impression on the global stage.
