Nigeria TV Info 

Iran’s World Cup Team Must Enter, Leave US on Match Day – Tehran

Iran’s national football team will be required to enter the United States only on the day of their World Cup matches and leave immediately after, according to Tehran’s ambassador to Mexico, amid an escalating visa and diplomatic dispute with Washington ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Iranian officials say the arrangement was communicated after months of visa uncertainty and security-related tensions between both countries. The team, which is based in Mexico for the tournament, will travel into the US only for matchday duties in cities such as Los Angeles, Seattle, and California venues, before returning to Mexico the same day.

The Iranian Football Federation has condemned the restrictions, describing them as “politically motivated interference” and unfair treatment compared to other participating nations. It also claims several senior team officials and support staff were denied US visas, even though players and essential personnel were eventually granted entry clearance.

US officials, however, maintain that visas were issued for athletes and necessary staff while some applications were rejected on security grounds and concerns over misuse of the visa process.

FIFA has reportedly been asked to intervene as the dispute raises concerns about logistics, fairness, and tournament preparation just days before kickoff. Iran has already relocated its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, to manage cross-border travel requirements.

Despite the controversy, Iran is expected to proceed with its group-stage matches, with tight travel schedules becoming one of the most unusual arrangements in World Cup history.