Iran’s World Cup team has been granted access into the US, yet problems exist, why?
Just days before Iran begins the 2026 World Cup, the team has been granted visas into the United States. However, their training camp has been moved from Arizona to Mexico.
Mason Reed 
With the 2026 World Cup kickoff just around the corner, Iran’s World Cup squad has finally secured the necessary visas to enter the United States. However, the path to the tournament remains complicated, with significant gaps in the team's operational staff as geopolitical tensions loom over the competition.
Visa Denials and Security Concerns
According to the Iranian embassy in Turkey, several soccer federation officials have been denied entry. Reporting from The Athletic highlights that some of these individuals have ties to the Islamic Republican Revolutionary Guards, an organization designated as a terrorist entity by the U.S. and Canada. This includes Mehdi Taj, a member of the federation and a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
A U.S. administration official clarified the government's stance to USA Today, stating: “The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued.” The official further emphasized that the administration would not permit the system to be abused to “sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”
Shift in Training Plans
Despite gaining entry to the U.S., Iran has made the strategic decision to relocate its training camp from Arizona to Mexico. The team is slated to arrive in Mexico this Saturday. Looking ahead, Iran is set to open its 2026 World Cup campaign on June 15, facing off against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California.
