The Iranian national soccer team has touched down in Tijuana, Mexico, setting the stage for their participation in the 2026 World Cup. However, their arrival has been overshadowed by significant visa challenges and diplomatic tensions, highlighting the complexities of international sports in times of conflict.
The team, led by Ehsan Hajisafiarrived on Sunday, June 7, 2026after a journey from their training base in Antalya, Turkey. The decision to train in Tijuanajust south of the United States border, was necessitated by delays in obtaining U.S. visas for some members of their entourage.
Visa Issues and Diplomatic Tensions
The team’s participation in the World Cup, co-hosted by the United StatesMexicoand Canadahas been fraught with challenges due to the ongoing Iran war. The initial difficulties in processing visas led Iran to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizonato Tijuana.
Hajisafi expressed gratitude for the team’s safe arrival but criticized FIFA for the delays in visa processing. “With everything that happened, visas were eventually issued,” he said. “Personally, however, I do have a complaint about FIFA. Why did it take so long? As far as I understand, visas were issued only to the players and a few members of the coaching staff.”
Key members of the Iranian Football Federation, including Hedayat Mombeini and Mehdi Mohammad Nabiremain without U.S. visas ahead of the team’s matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. Hajisafi emphasized the importance of these individuals, stating, “Unfortunately, several key members of our coaching staff, whose roles are very important within the team, were not granted visas.”
The Journey to Tijuana
The team’s journey to Tijuana began with a flight from Antalya on a private jet operated by German charter airline USC. The plane touched down at approximately 5:05 a.m.with Hajisafi being the first to disembark. The team, dressed in blue blazers over white T-shirts, underwent a brief security check before boarding a bus.
The bus made a brief stop at the entrance to the Tijuana airportwhere around 20 Iranian fans waved flags in welcome. This warm reception contrasted with the diplomatic challenges the team has faced.
Upcoming Matches and Potential Encounters
Iran is scheduled to play their first two group stage matches in Inglewood, Californiaagainst New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21. They will then travel to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. A potential encounter with the United States in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texasadds another layer of complexity to the team’s participation.
The diplomatic tensions surrounding the team’s participation were further highlighted by comments from U.S. President Donald Trumpwho in March discouraged Iran from participating in the tournament, citing concerns over players’ “life and safety.” The Iranian national team responded defiantly, stating, “no one can exclude” them from playing.
The team’s final roster was announced on Mondayincluding 17 home-based players whose clubs have not played since February due to the war. Notably, star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in Marchreportedly due to a social media post that angered Iranian authorities.
Despite the challenges, the Iranian team remains focused on their upcoming matches. Hajisafi expressed confidence in the team’s readiness, stating, “Thank God, the team’s condition is very good.” The team’s arrival in Tijuana marks the beginning of their journey in the 2026 World Cupamidst a backdrop of diplomatic and logistical hurdles.
