Iran World Cup squad arrives in Mexico amid US visa standoff

Iran's World Cup squad is expected to arrive in Tijuana, Mexico early Sunday under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row with the United States. The dispute erupted just days before Thursday's kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, which is jointly hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.

The US has refused visas for 15 Iranian administrative and management staff, despite players receiving their visas, according to Washington's envoy to Turkey. Iran's embassy called this "deliberate and discriminatory treatment" and urged FIFA to hold the US accountable for violating its rules.

This historic World Cup marks the first time a host nation will receive the team of a country it is at war with. Iran switched their base to Tijuana from their original base in Tucson, Arizona in late May due to the visa issues. Iran is scheduled to play their three group games on US soil - against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and 21, and against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The US administration accused Iran of potentially trying to "sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses," while Iran's Football Federation described the visa denial as "political interference in sport in its worst form." With such high tensions, how will this affect the spirit of international sportsmanship at the World Cup?

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/06/07/iran-world-cup-team-heads-to-mexico-as-us-visa-row-rages/