World Cup 2026: Iran lands in Mexico amid US visa row

Iran's national football team has landed in Tijuana, Mexico, relocating its training base from Tucson, Arizona, amidst a significant diplomatic row over U.S. visa denials for 15 officials and support staff.

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politically interference in sport in its worst form.

All of Iran's group stage matches in the FIFA World Cup 2026 are scheduled to take place in the United States. However, Iranian authorities claim that the U.S. has denied entry to a substantial portion of their delegation, including the football federation chief, his deputy, and a media director. This has led Iran to accuse the U.S. of "politically biased interference in sport."

U.S. officials have stated that visas were issued to all players and "necessary support staff" on Friday, ten days before Iran's opening fixture in Los Angeles on June 15. However, they also issued a warning, stating that Iran would not be allowed to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences." These comments echo earlier remarks by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who indicated that individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps would be barred from entry, a concern amplified by the fact that several Iranian squad members have completed mandatory military service with the group.

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abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences

The Iranian embassy in Turkey has urged FIFA, the sport's global governing body, to intervene in the visa dispute. The World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, is set to commence on Thursday. This tournament marks a unique geopolitical backdrop, as it will be the first time a host nation will welcome the team of a country with which it is currently in conflict.

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politically biased interference in sport