Dispute overshadows Iran’s arrival
Iran’s national football team arrived at Tijuana International Airport in Mexico on Sunday, as preparations for the 2026 World Cup continued under the shadow of a growing diplomatic dispute with the United States.
The team had originally planned to base itself in Arizona, but those plans were dropped after tensions increased over travel restrictions and visa issues. Instead, Iran held a three-week training camp in Turkey before travelling to Mexico, according to an Express article.
Players and staff are required to enter the United States only on matchdays and leave again the same day, creating a difficult logistical situation during the tournament.
Visa denials deepen tensions
The dispute has been intensified by reports from Iranian state television that 14 members of Iran’s staff have been denied US visas. Those affected are said to include Iran Football Federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi.
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The Iranian Embassy in Ankara criticised the decision, saying the visa denials affected a large part of the team’s managerial and technical delegation.
“You cannot whitewash conduct that violates FIFA regulations and breaches the United States’ host obligations merely by praising yourselves,” the embassy said.
It added that the United States had escalated what it described as “deliberate and discriminatory treatment” of Iran’s national team.
Mexico steps in after change of plans
Mexico agreed to accommodate the Iranian squad after the original US-based plans were abandoned. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the country was willing to host the team.
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The move comes after US President Donald Trump questioned Iran’s involvement in the tournament, saying the team was welcome at the World Cup but adding that he did not believe it was appropriate for them to be there “for their own life and safety”.
US ambassador Tom Barrack has praised embassy officials for processing travel documents for the team, though that has done little to ease anger over the reported visa denials.
Players mark school tragedy
On arrival, Iranian players were seen wearing pin badges with the number 168.
The badges were a tribute to children killed in a missile strike on a school in Minab on February 28. The Pentagon has said the incident remains under investigation and has not released further details.
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Campaign begins in Los Angeles
Iran will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 16.
They are also scheduled to face Belgium and Egypt in the group stage, with all three matches due to be played on the US West Coast.
For Iran, the tournament now begins amid a political dispute that has already shaped the team’s travel plans and threatens to remain a major backdrop throughout its World Cup campaign.
Sources: www.express.co.uk
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