Iran football team faces visa delays ahead of 2026 World Cup

Iran’s national football team is set to travel to Spain before heading to its 2026 World Cup base in Tijuana, Mexico, but still awaits visas from the United States and Mexico. Federation chief Mehdi Taj said the team expects a Mexican visa within days and a U.S. visa soon after. The visa uncertainty follows the February 28 Middle East conflict, which forced the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to the Mexican border city.

Ahead of departure, Iran will play a closed‑door friendly against Mali in Turkey, after earlier wins over Costa Rica and Gambia and a loss to Nigeria. U.S. officials have said Iranian officials with IRGC ties will not be allowed to accompany the squad, while Mexico’s president has confirmed the country will host the team without issue. Iran’s group‑stage matches are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle, United States.

The federation also cited financial difficulties caused by Iran’s economic crisis and a sharply weakened rial, adding further strain to the team’s preparations.