Iran's national football team arrived in Tijuana early Sunday, shifting their pre‑World Cup camp from Arizona after several staff members failed to secure U.S. visas. The move comes as political tensoins surrounding Tehran's participation intensify, with a possible U.S. showdown looming in the knockout stage.

Visa setabcks force relocation from Tucson to Tijuana

According to Iranian state television, visa applications for federation secretary‑general Hedayat Mombeini and vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi remain pending, prompting the team to reroute to the Mexican border city. The delay threatened the squad's ability to enter the United States for its opening fixtures, though FIFA has pledged to provide the necessary paperwork.

Group‑stage schedule: New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt

The Iranians will open the tournament at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood on June 15 against New Zealand , followed by a clash with Belgium on June 21, and a final group game versus Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. A potential Round of 32 meeting with the United States on July 3 in Arlington would add a high‑profile political dimension to the sporting contest.

Political backdrop: Trump’s “inappropriate” comment and IRGC ties

In March, former President Donald Trump labeled Iran's participation as “inappropriate” and raised safety concerns, a remark the Iranian federation rebuffed by insisting “no one can exclude” them. the squad includes several players and staff with past service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a detail that has drawn scrutiny from U.S. ofifcials.

Squad composition altered by domestic unrest

Star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in March after a social‑media post critical of the government, leaving a roster dominated by 17 home‑based players from a league suspended since February. despite early doubts from Iran’s sports minister, the federation confirmed in May that the team would travel, emphasizing that all personnel have secured the required visas.

Who still lacks U.S. entry clearance?

The report notes that, as of Saturday, at least two senior officials—Mombeini and Nabi—were still awaiting U.S. visas , and it does not confirm whether any players face similar hurdles.. This lingering uncertainty could affect the team's seamless crossing into California before their first match.