Iranian Football Team Arrives in Mexico Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
Iran's Arrival in Tijuana
The Iranian national football team touched down in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday in preparation for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Originally, the team was supposed to set up their training camp in Arizona, but due to visa complications, they relocated to Tijuana to minimize their stay in the United States. The squad arrived around 5:00 AM local time and was greeted enthusiastically by fans.
Iran is set to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 16. Following that, they will face Belgium on June 22 in California, and their final group match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 27. Should they advance, they could have additional matches.
🚨🇮🇷🇲🇽 BREAKING — Welcome Brothers! Iran’s National Team Arrives In Mexico to a Crowd of Cheering Fans! https://t.co/0eW8di7bwr pic.twitter.com/oIjGDLgdqe
— Pamphlets (@PamphletsY) June 7, 2026
Controversy Over Visa Regulations
No Overnight Stay in the US for Iranian Team?
Despite receiving their US visas shortly before the World Cup, the Iranian players have been informed that they must leave the United States immediately after their matches. This decision has sparked criticism, as many believe that traveling on the same day as the game could hinder the team's performance. Iran’s envoy, Abolfazl Pasandideh, confirmed this arrangement, stating, “We can enter in the morning, and we must leave the same day.”
However, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iran Football Federation, offered a slightly different perspective, suggesting that the team could enter the US a day prior to their matches and criticized the US for creating obstacles. “We do not know how far the Americans’ obstructionism will continue,” Taj remarked, as reported by the Iranian Students’ News Agency (ISNA). “What the United States is doing reflects malice and a lack of equality among teams.”
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei also expressed frustration over the situation, particularly after several team members were denied US visas. “I ask you, what kind of treatment is this? I hope this situation is corrected and that such behavior is not repeated in the future,” he stated.