Iran’s national football team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 7, 2026, as part of its preparation for the forthcoming World Cup. The move came after the squad was forced to leave its original training base in Tucson, Arizona, because of unresolved visa problems.
Visa Delays and Diplomatic Repercussions
Defender Ehsan Hajsafi publicly criticized FIFA for the slow issuance of U.S. visas, noting that only players and a handful of coaching staff have been cleared to travel. The criticism underscores growing frustration within the Iranian camp.
Key figures such as team manager Mehdi Mohammad Nabi and media director Hedayat Mombeini remain unable to obtain the necessary clearance, compelling the team to shift its training operations to Tijuana where conditions are less than ideal.
The logistical shift has also triggered roster changes, most notably the omission of star forward Sardar Azmoun in March after a social‑media post drew the ire of Iranian authorities.
Upcoming Group‑Stage Fixtures
Iran’s first group‑stage opponents have been confirmed: matches against New Zealand and Belgium will be played in California, with a subsequent game against Egypt scheduled for Seattle. The locations reflect the broader geographic spread of the tournament’s early rounds.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously warned that Iran’s participation could raise safety concerns, a stance that added political pressure to an already delicate situation.
Official Stances and Organizational Responses
Iranian officials have pushed back against any exclusion, with the sports minister initially suggesting participation might be impossible before the Iranian Football Federation reaffirmed that all players and staff, including those serving in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, must be granted visas.
Head coach Hedayat Mombeini and the remaining staff are now focused on fine‑tuning tactics while navigating the visa constraints that continue to shape the team’s itinerary.