Iran Moves World Cup Training Base to Mexico After U.S. Denies Visas to Federation Officials and Support Staff

Iran’s national soccer team left its training camp in Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday for a new base in Tijuana, Mexico. The squad took off around 6:10 pm local time on a flight expected to last about 20 hours, Iranian state television reported. The team received entry visas from Mexico’s Embassy in Ankara.

U.S. visa processing problems. Visas had been issued for players, coaches, trainers and some support staff.

Some applicants affiliated with the team were rejected for requesting visas under false pretenses, according to an official who spoke on condition of anonymity. Federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi were among those still awaiting visas, Iranian state television reported. It remained unclear whether federation president Mehdi Taj had received one.

The squad will play New Zealand on June 15 in Inglewood, California, Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Iran and the United States could meet in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, if both finish second in their groups.

President Donald Trump said in March that he did not think it was appropriate for Iran to participate and raised concerns over players’ life and safety.

Iran’s national team responded the next day that no one can exclude it from playing. Iran finalized its roster on Monday, including 17 home-based players. Iranian clubs have not played since February because of the war.

Star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in March after a social media post that angered Iranian authorities. Iran’s sports minister said in March that it would not be possible for the team to participate. The Iranian soccer federation said in May it was moving ahead with a team and insisted that all players and staff receive visas, including those who had military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

U.S. has denied visas to “a large portion” of the support staff for the Iranian national soccer team, the Iranian Embassy in Turkey said. S. said players could enter the country. Iranian officials say a “large” number of key staff were denied visas.

The row erupted just days before the June 11 start of the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.