Iran’s national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 7, 2026, ahead of their group-stage matches in the United States, which are taking place while the U.S. and Iran remain at war. The players and coaching staff received U.S. visas just days before arrival, but approximately 15 administrative and managerial officials were denied entry, including federation president Mehdi Taj, who has ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran shifted its team base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana due to visa uncertainties and security concerns. U.S. authorities stated they issued visas necessary for competition but emphasized vigilance against potential security risks. Iranian officials criticized the delays as discriminatory and disruptive to preparation. The team will cross into the U.S. on match days only, according to some reports. This marks the first World Cup in which a host nation is hosting a team from a country it is actively at war with. FIFA facilitated the team’s participation, and Iran is set to play New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle.

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