Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Abolfazl Pasandideh across Soccer, Football.
Despite visa rejections, U.S. travel restrictions and a forced relocation, Iran’s national team trains under heavy guard while fans from across the United States rally behind them.
Despite visa denials and travel restrictions, Iran’s World Cup contingent has taken up residence at a Marriott in Tijuana, where a vibrant community of supporters from Los Angeles, San Jose, Miami and beyond gathers to cheer them on.
The Iranian national side arrived in Tijuana under a cloud of visa uncertainty, with several members denied entry, while Iraq's striker Aymen Hussein was detained in Chicago, highlighting a broader diplomatic strain.
Iran’s national soccer team arrived in Tijuana amid visa uncertainties and heightened political scrutiny, setting the stage for their World Cup campaign.
While Iran’s national team receives clearance to enter the United States for the FIFA World Cup, a cascade of visa denials for officials and journalists has ignited diplomatic tension and highlighted broader anxieties about press freedom.
Despite visa approvals for Iran’s World Cup squad, administrative delays, diplomatic friction and media restrictions cast a long shadow over the tournament’s opening.
Iran’s soccer squad will train in Tijuana, travel to the U.S. for group matches, and face heightened security as diplomatic clearances are finalized.
Iranian players have been granted U.S. visas for the 2026 World Cup, but several senior officials and support staff remain pending approval, complicating preparations as geopolitical tensions linger.
U.S. visas have been issued to Iran's national football team for the 2026 tournament, but key administrators remain stuck in bureaucratic limbo, raising questions about the delegation's cohesion.