The tight restrictions Iran has now been given for entry into the USA for World Cup games
Iran’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into chaos by strict US entry rules, turning every American matchday into a logistical challenge.
The squad has been forced to train in Mexico after visa issues disrupted their original plans for the 2026 group games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
This is not just a scheduling issue. Iran now has to manage travel rules that cut into their usual buildup and recovery routines.
Iran forced into Mexico base by World Cup visa restrictions
Al Jazeera English reported that Iran’s players must enter and leave US territory on the same day as each World Cup match, citing Iran’s ambassador to Mexico.
That is the key restriction. The players have reportedly received visas to compete, but the team cannot operate like a normal World Cup squad based inside the host country.
Instead of being stationed in Tucson, Arizona, as originally planned, Iran has set up camp in Tijuana, Mexico. That move changes the entire flow of their tournament.
Matchday preparations now include border crossings, security checks and travel, all before the football even begins.
Iran visa delays split squad and support staff
The restrictions have also created a divide within the delegation. Iranian state television reported that 14 backroom staff and officials were still waiting for US visas as the tournament approached.
Those reportedly included federation Secretary-General Hedayat Mombeini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi. That matters because World Cup preparation relies on more than the players and coaching staff.
There were also reports that Iran’s national team departed from Turkey for its Mexico base while several federation officials and support staff were still waiting for clearance.
Iran is in Group G and are scheduled to face New Zealand and Belgium at SoFi Stadium in the Los Angeles area before taking on Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Every one of those games now comes with the same added complication. Iran must get in, play and get out without the normal lead-in or wind-down time other teams may have.
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