Iran says World Cup squad must enter, leave US on match day
20:36, 07/06/2026, SundayU: Update: 21:02, 07/06/2026, Sunday
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Iran's envoy to Mexico said the national football team faces strict visa restrictions requiring same-day entry and exit for matches in the United States, abandoning training camp plans in Arizona amid the continuing US-Israeli war with Tehran.
Travel Constraints
Iran's ambassador to Mexico Abolfazl Pasandideh on Sunday told reporters that the national football team faces severe visa restrictions requiring same-day entry and exit during its upcoming World Cup matches in the United States. "We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day," he said, citing visa limitations.
Disrupted Preparations
The Iranian squad had originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but abandoned those arrangements following the outbreak of war between the US, Israel and Iran in late February. The team is now based in Mexico as it prepares for three group-stage matches on American soil — two in Los Angeles and one in Seattle.
Regional Conflict
The US and Israel launched airstrikes against Iranian targets on February 28, prompting retaliatory strikes by Tehran against Israeli positions and countries hosting American military bases. A ceasefire has since taken effect, though diplomatic efforts to secure a permanent resolution have continued while visa restrictions remain in place.