Iran's ambassador to Mexico: Iran national team must enter and exit US on match days

Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, has stated that the Iranian national football team must enter and exit the United States on match days for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This comes amid ongoing diplomatic and logistical challenges related to the team’s participation in the tournament. Earlier in the week, a U.S. official confirmed that the players have received U.S. visas, allowing them to compete in the World Cup. However, several senior officials and support staff, including Iran’s football federation head Mehdi Taj, were reportedly denied entry permits, raising concerns about the team’s operational capacity.

The Iranian team has relocated its training base to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security concerns and visa-related uncertainties. Pasandideh praised Tijuana’s hospitality and expressed hope that the U.S. would extend a similar welcome during the tournament. The team is scheduled to play two group-stage matches in Inglewood, California, and one in Seattle. The situation highlights the intersection of sports and geopolitics, as the U.S. and Iran continue to navigate tensions following recent hostilities. Despite these challenges, FIFA affirmed Iran’s participation.