Iran’s national football team has been instructed to enter and leave the United States on the same day as their matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Tehran’s ambassador to Mexico, amid growing tensions over travel arrangements for the tournament.
The envoy, Abolfazl Pasandideh, disclosed that Iranian authorities were informed of the unusual restrictions as the team prepares for the global football showpiece, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The development follows reports that several members of Iran’s delegation encountered visa difficulties, prompting the team to establish its training base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in the United States.
However, conflicting accounts have emerged over the extent of the restrictions. Officials of Iran’s Football Federation earlier stated that players had been granted multiple-entry visas and would be allowed to arrive in the United States one or two days before each fixture.
The controversy has heightened concerns that diplomatic disputes between Washington and Tehran could affect the participation of Iranian officials and support staff.
Iranian authorities have accused the United States of politicising sport and have hinted at taking the matter to FIFA.
Iran are scheduled to play all their Group G matches on American soil during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making travel arrangements a crucial issue for the Asian football powerhouse.
