Iran have relocated their World Cup preparations to Mexico as a dispute over United States visas continues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Iranian national team arrived in Tijuana on Sunday after abandoning plans to use Tucson, Arizona, as their training base.
The move comes amid restrictions affecting members of the country’s World Cup delegation before the tournament begins on June 11.
Iran qualified for the competition by topping their qualifying group in March 2025 and are scheduled to play all three group-stage matches in the United States.
However, Iranian players and support staff have reportedly been instructed to enter and leave the US on match days rather than remain in the country throughout the tournament.
Officials denied visas
The visa issue has become a major talking point ahead of Iran’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Iranian authorities say 15 officials and support personnel have been denied entry visas by the US. Those affected reportedly include senior football federation executives and media staff.
The Iranian embassy in Turkey criticized the decision, describing it as “politically biased interference in sport” and claiming that a “large portion of the managerial and executive staff” as well as “technical advisers” had been denied entry.
Embassy officials also urged 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 raised
American officials defended the restrictions, saying Iran would not be allowed to “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences.”
The comments followed remarks from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stated that individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted to enter the country as part of the delegation.
Several members of Iran’s squad have previously completed mandatory military service involving the organisation.
The 2026 World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. After facing New Zealand, Iran will continue their campaign with group-stage matches against Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle.
