Iran’s national soccer team touched down in Tijuana on Monday to start its 2026 World Cup campaign, but a bitter visa dispute with the United States has clouded the trip. While players eventually received travel visas, several key administrators were denied entry, forcing the squad to base itself in Mexico for the tournament’s U.S. group‑stage matches.

US denies visas to Iranian support staff, sparking diplomatic flare‑up

According to the source, the United States granted visas to the Iranian players but refused to issue them to a number of administrative and managerial personnel, including federation chief Mehdi Taj, a former Revolutionary Guards member.. Iran’s embassy in Turkey and its football federation condemned the move as “vindictive behavior” and “political interference in sport,” and have appealed to FIFA for redress.

Team will travel from Tijuana to Los Angeles and Seattle for all group games

The Iranian squad will be based in the border city of Tijuana,a short drive to both Los Angeles and Seattle, where its Group G fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt are scheduled for June 15, 21 and 26. A US official confirmed that while athlete visas were issued, the government would not allow any “sneak terrorists” linked to the Revolutionary Guards, a group the US labels as a terrorist organization.

Conflicting reports on visa type fuel uncertainty

Iran’s ambassador to Mexico told reporters the team must enter and leave the United States on the same day as each match, yet a team spokesman claimed they hold multiple‑entry visas that would permit earlier arrivaals. The discrepancy highlights the opaque nature of the arrangements and leaves the squad’s travel logistics in doubt.

Parallel security checks affect other Middle‑Eastern teams

The visa controversy has spilled over to Iraq, where two members of its World Cup delegation faced heightened screening at the Chicago border; a photographer was deemed inadmissible and denied entry. this broader pattern suggests heightened US scrutiny of athletes from nations it views as security risks.

What remians unclear about the US‑Iran football standoff?

Key unanswered points include whether the denied Iranian officials will be allowed to attend matches in a non‑playing capacity, how FIFA might intervene if the dispute escalates , and whether the US will relax its stance after the group stage concludes. The source notes that no final decision has been announced, leaving the team’s support structure in limbo.