Iran's World Cup preparations have been overshadowed by a growing diplomatic dispute after the United States reportedly refused to issue visas to several members of the team's support staff ahead of the tournament.
The Iranian squad arrived in the Mexican city of Tijuana on Sunday following a training camp in Turkey, where players and officials spent nearly three weeks preparing for the competition and applying for travel documents to enter the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Although the players received their US visas before departing, tensions escalated when Iranian officials revealed that several members of the delegation had been denied entry permits.
Reports indicate that around 15 administrative and management staff members were affected by the decision.
Iran's embassy in Turkey strongly criticised the move, accusing the United States of discriminatory treatment and calling on FIFA to investigate what it described as a breach of the principles governing international sport.
The dispute comes just days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Iran will be based in Tijuana throughout the tournament despite playing all three of their group-stage matches in the United States.
Further confusion emerged over the conditions attached to the team's visas. Iran's ambassador to Mexico claimed the squad had been informed they would only be permitted to enter the United States on matchdays and would be required to leave immediately afterwards.
However, team spokesman Amir Mahdi Alavi stated that the players had been issued multiple-entry visas and would travel to host cities one or two days before each fixture, in line with FIFA's tournament requirements.
The Iranian Football Federation condemned the situation, describing it as political interference in football. Federation president Mehdi Taj is reportedly among those denied a visa.
A US administration official confirmed that visas had been granted to the players and essential team personnel but defended the screening process, insisting security considerations remained a priority.
The controversy has also affected Iraq's delegation.
US Customs and Border Protection confirmed that one member of Iraq's travelling party was denied entry after additional screening, although no players were impacted.
Iran head into the tournament amid heightened political tensions following recent hostilities between Iran, the United States and Israel.
While a ceasefire agreed in April largely halted the conflict, relations remain strained.
Despite the off-field distractions, Iran's focus will soon turn to matters on the pitch.
Drawn in Group G, they will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June before facing Belgium on 21 June.
Their final group-stage match will be against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
