Iranian soccer team cleared for Mexico but denied US entry ahead of World Cup

Iran's national football team received Mexican visas within 48 hours, without appearing in person or providing fingerprints, according to ambassador Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh. The visas allow the squad to travel to the tournament base in Tijuana and continue preparations for the FIFA World Cup, which starts on 11 June.

The team remains barred from entering the United States, where it will play three group‑stage matches, including its opening game against New Zealand on 15 June. Currently training in Turkey, the squad plans to fly to Spain before proceeding to Mexico. Earlier plans for a camp in Tucson, Arizona, were abandoned due to the ongoing US‑Israel‑Iran conflict and Iran’s severe economic crisis, including a sharp currency devaluation. The federation also noted a closed test match against Mali in Antalya.