Iran Beats Mali in Final World Cup Warm-up Amidst Visa Concerns

Iran's national football team, known as Team Melli, secured a 2-0 victory against Mali in their final World Cup warm-up match held in Antalya, Turkey. Goals from midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi and defender Ramin Rezaeian either side of halftime capped off a successful series of friendlies for the team.

This win gives Iran a record of three wins and one loss in their four exhibition games played in Turkey. These matches represent the only competitive football the Iran-based players have participated in since the suspension of their domestic league in late February, following U.S. and Israeli air strikes that escalated regional tensions.

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The U.S. visas were the main concern for the federation as Iran's tournament opener against New Zealand on June 15 approaches.

The squad is scheduled to depart Turkey on Saturday for their World Cup base in Tijuana, Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host the team after U.S. authorities indicated they did not want Iran stationed in their originally planned base in Arizona for the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

However, significant hurdles remain concerning the team's participation in group stage matches. While the squad has received visas for Mexico, they have yet to secure the necessary U.S. visas required for their games against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and against Egypt in Seattle. Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj identified U.S. visas as the federation's primary concern as the tournament opener on June 15 approaches. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated there would be no issue with the team entering the country, but officials or staff linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the U.S. designates as a "terrorist entity," would be barred.

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There was 'no problem' with the Iran squad entering the country, but Washington would not let officials or staff with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) accompany them.