Iran Players to Enter, Exit U.S. on Match Days for 2026 World Cup

Iranian national football team players participating in the 2026 World Cup in the United States will be required to enter and exit the U.S. on the same day for their matches. This strict condition applies to their travel from their team base located in northern Mexico. The Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, stated that the team's concentration camp was moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to the "war with the United States."

"They can enter in the morning and have to leave the same day," Pasandideh explained during a press conference in Tijuana, referring to the visa conditions for the Iranian players entering the U.S. The team is scheduled to play their group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, necessitating these same-day entries and exits from U.S. territory.

This arrangement highlights the complex geopolitical tensions affecting the team's participation in the international tournament. Despite the logistical challenges imposed by these visa restrictions, the Iranian team is preparing to compete in the World Cup, with their base of operations strategically located in Mexico to manage the travel requirements.

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They can enter in the morning and have to leave the same day.