
Iran’s World Cup squad navigates visa maze ahead of tournament
Iran's national football team left Turkey for Mexico amid visa disputes, with several officials still awaiting U.S. entry and the federation planning to appeal to FIFA.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mehdi Taj across Soccer, Football.

Iran's national football team left Turkey for Mexico amid visa disputes, with several officials still awaiting U.S. entry and the federation planning to appeal to FIFA.

Iran's national football squad left for the World Cup in Mexico under a cloud of visa disputes, diplomatic accusations, and a reshaped training base, setting the stage for a tense tournament.

Iran's national football team travels to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico amid a contentious visa dispute that threatens to reshape its preparation and political context.
Iran’s national football team secures entry visas for the 2026 World Cup while several officials are denied, amid accusations of discriminatory treatment and links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Iran's national football team faces visa delays, a relocated training base and geopolitical pressure as they gear up for World Cup matches in the United States.

A dispute over U.S. visa refusals for Iranian football officials has escalated into a broader geopolitical controversy, prompting Iran to move its World Cup preparations to Mexico and set up a clash with the United States.

Iranian officials say a large number of essential staff for the national team have been refused US visas, casting a shadow over the squad's preparations for the upcoming World Cup. The team will base itself in Mexico amid rising tensions.

A complex visa saga, a shifted training base and high‑profile political commentary surround Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup.

The Iranian national football team is set to depart Turkey for a training base in Mexico as it contends with U.S. visa delays, a reshaped schedule and outspoken political criticism.

Mohammad Dadkan, ex-president of the Iranian Football Federation, denounces the current administration for prioritizing monetary rewards and bureaucratic hurdles over the sport's development and the national team's success.

A planned training camp in Tucson was abruptly moved to Tijuana, prompting mixed responses from locals, officials and international observers.

Iran’s football federation has moved its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico, securing FIFA’s blessing and positioning the team in Tijuana to mitigate visa issues and streamline preparations.

With the United States refusing to host Iran’s team, Mexico steps in, moving the squad to Tijuana to avoid visa issues and addressing safety concerns raised by former President Donald Trump.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has confirmed that the Iranian national soccer team will remain in Mexico during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with all group‑stage matches played in the United States. The decision follows diplomatic negotiations involving FIFA, U.S. officials and Mexican authorities.

The Iranian national football team will remain in Mexico and travel to the United States for World Cup fixtures, with the base moved to Tijuana to sidestep visa complications, amid heightened U.S.-Iran tensions.

The Iranian national soccer team has shifted its World Cup preparation from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, citing security concerns and regional conflict, with the change endorsed by Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj.

Facing visa hurdles and safety worries, Iran's national team has moved its preparation camp from the United States to Mexico, setting up in Tijuana close to Inglewood where they will contest their World Cup fixtures.

The Iranian federation moved its preparation base from the United States to Mexico to address security and visa issues, securing FIFA’s approval and establishing a new facility in Tijuana.

The Iranian national team has moved its preparation camp from Tucson to Tijuana, seeking safer entry routes for the upcoming tournament.

Facing visa uncertainties, Iran’s national team will train in Tijuana, Mexico, before heading to the United States for its first Group G fixtures.

Iran's national soccer team has moved its World Cup preparation from the United States to Mexico, establishing a new base in Tijuana. The decision, backed by FIFA, aims to resolve visa complications and enhance logistical readiness for upcoming matches.

Iran's World Cup squad relocates its training base to Tijuana after FIFA's approval, aiming to sidestep visa and security hurdles ahead of group‑stage matches in Inglewood and Seattle.

The Iranian squad has moved its preparation camp from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico, to bypass visa complications and diplomatic constraints tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Following security concerns and visa hurdles, Iran's national football team will train in Tijuana, Mexico, after FIFA green‑lighted the shift, with matches scheduled in Inglewood and Seattle.