A turbulent build‑up
Iran’s soccer squad touched down in Mexico as part of its preparation for the upcoming World Cup, but the campaign has been marred by a series of visa complications that have forced a reshuffle of its training base.
Defender Ehsan Hajsafi publicly criticized FIFA, saying the delay in granting U.S. visas for key coaching staff disrupted the team’s plans and left the players without a clear schedule.
Originally slated to train in Tucson, Arizona, the camp was relocated to Tijuana, Mexico, after the United States denied entry to several members of the entourage and to several coaching personnel.
The team’s first two matches are set to be played in Inglewood, California, where they will meet New Zealand and Belgium, before traveling to Seattle to face Egypt.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump had previously voiced opposition to Iran’s participation, a stance that the Iranian side rejected, insisting that no external force can bar them from competing.
Political reverberations
The public clash with Trump added a layer of geopolitical tension, but the squad’s focus remains on the field, with the coaching staff hoping the visa issue will be resolved before the tournament begins.
Despite the diplomatic headwinds, the Iranian Football Federation finalized a roster that includes 17 domestic players still affected by the ongoing war, though star forward Sardar Azmoun was omitted from the final list.
Iran’s sports minister had once declared participation impossible, yet the federation persisted in demanding that all players and staff receive the necessary visas, underscoring the high stakes of the venture.