Iran 2026 World Cup squad heads to Mexico as US visa dispute erupts
Summary
Iran’s national football team faced issues with the United States refusing visas to some of their support staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which the US, Mexico, and Canada are hosting. Iran’s team is set to arrive in Mexico shortly, but some key staff have had to continue efforts to obtain visas while traveling with the team.Key Facts
- The 2026 World Cup will start on June 11 and is co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
- Iran’s football players trained in Antalya, Turkey, since May 18 before traveling to Mexico.
- The US embassy in Ankara processed visas for Iran’s players, which were received late on Friday.
- Iran claims many important support staff, including top officials like the football federation chief, were denied US visas.
- Iran’s embassy in Turkey called the US actions discriminatory and politically motivated.
- Iran’s football federation says the US visa refusal breaks international sports rules and plans to raise the issue with FIFA, world football’s governing body.
- The Iranian team will stay in Tijuana, Mexico, but their group matches will be played in US cities Los Angeles and Seattle.
- Iran won friendly games against Mali (2-0) and Gambia (3-1) while preparing for the tournament.
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