Supporters of the Iranian national football team have expressed disappointment over visa issues affecting members of the squad’s delegation ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, despite giving the team a warm welcome upon its arrival in Mexico.
A small group of fans gathered at the airport in Tijuana on Sunday morning to greet Iran national football team as it arrived for the tournament. The team is preparing for a World Cup jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
While players received visas allowing them to travel to the United States for group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, several members of the Iranian delegation were reportedly denied entry visas.
According to reports, around 15 officials did not receive visas, including Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian football federation.
Visa issue sparks frustration among supporters
Fans who welcomed the team said they were disappointed by the situation and argued that sporting events should remain separate from political disputes.
The visa controversy adds to a challenging period for the Iranian team, which has faced uncertainty surrounding its World Cup participation amid ongoing regional tensions.
Team shifts training base to Mexico
Earlier plans had called for Iran to establish its pre-tournament training camp in Tucson, Arizona. However, the Iranian football federation later announced that the team would instead stay in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of its World Cup matches.
Security measures were visibly heightened upon the team’s arrival, with Mexican police and military personnel escorting the delegation and maintaining a strong presence around the team hotel and training facilities.
Focus remains on World Cup campaign
Despite the off-field developments, supporters remain optimistic about Iran’s chances at the tournament. Team Melli will face New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team in the group stage.
Iran has never progressed beyond the group stage of a FIFA World Cup, and fans hope the 2026 tournament will provide an opportunity for the team to achieve that milestone.
Supporters interviewed at the airport said they remain confident that the players can stay focused on football despite the political and logistical challenges surrounding the tournament.
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