Iran's World Cup team lands in Mexico amid US visa row; security concerns raised for 2026

Iran's World Cup football team has arrived in Mexico, setting the stage for the upcoming 2026 tournament amidst a significant diplomatic disagreement with the United States. The team's arrival follows a contentious period where the U.S. reportedly denied visas for several key support staff and administrative personnel, despite granting visas to the players and some technical staff. This situation has compelled the Iranian squad to establish its base in Tijuana, Mexico, even though their group stage matches are scheduled to take place within the United States.

The Iranian Football Federation has strongly condemned the U.S. visa denials, characterizing them as "discriminatory treatment" and "political interference in sport". These accusations underscore a bitter diplomatic row between Tehran and Washington, exacerbated by ongoing geopolitical tensions. While U.S. officials maintain that necessary visas were issued for the team to compete, they also cited concerns about potential misuse of the system. FIFA is reportedly being urged to intervene and address the matter.

Adding to the complexities, the 2026 World Cup faces heightened security challenges, particularly for matches involving Iran. Authorities are preparing for increased vigilance around stadiums and fan zones in the U.S. due to broader geopolitical conflicts and the potential for unrest or protests. Concerns about fan zone safety and potential security incidents are a significant consideration as the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, approaches its June 11 kickoff.