Visa hurdles cast a shadow over Iran's World Cup preparations
Iran's World Cup squad left for a training camp in Mexico this week, but the team does not yet know whether several of its key players will be allowed to travel to the United States for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Delays in processing Iranian visa applications forced the federation to move its preparation base from Arizona to Mexico, disrupting the original schedule.
U.S. clearance still pending for federation leaders
Among those still awaiting clearance are secretary‑general Hedayat Mombeini and vice‑president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, both part of a group of 14 staff and officials who have not received U.S. entry permits.
The Iranian Football Federation has warned that the visa hold puts the team at a disadvantage, arguing that the situation undermines a fair competition free from discrimination.
The Iranian embassy in Washington amplified the criticism on social media, condemning the United States for the prolonged processing times.
Iran is scheduled to open its tournament campaign in Los Angeles on June 15 against New Zealand, a match that will now take place without the full complement of support staff.