Iran World Cup team faces US visa delays, trains in Tijuana

Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup remains uncertain as its national football team has yet to receive visas from the United States, according to officials from the country’s football federation. The team, which is scheduled to play all three of its group stage matches in U.S. cities, is now preparing from a training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, after its original base in Tucson, Arizona, was relocated.

The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, stated that no visas have been issued for players or support staff. He emphasized that the delegation requires multiple-entry U.S. visas because the team will need to cross the border repeatedly for matches. Taj said a decisive meeting with FIFA is imminent to seek guarantees on the visa process. Federation officials have formally written to FIFA requesting clarification on when visas will be issued, noting that the administrative process is expected to be completed soon.

The visa complications follow heightened diplomatic tensions. Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, publicly criticized the United States, stating that the Iranian team is not competing on equal terms due to these logistical hurdles....