sports
Iran Requests Multiple-Entry U.S. Visas for World Cup Squad
Iran's football federation president said the United States should issue multiple-entry visas for the national team and staff. The squad will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, and will cross the border for three group-stage matches.
May 28, 7:43 AM·1m read1 source
Al JazeeraAudio version
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Iran's football federation president said the United States should issue multiple-entry visas for the national team and staff ahead of the World Cup. The squad will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, and will cross the border for three group-stage matches.
FFIRI president Mehdi Taj said on Wednesday that players and support staff need the visas because they will leave and re-enter the United States several times during the group stage. The team has not yet received the visas. U.S. embassy in Ankara, Turkiye, last week.
FIFA confirmed on Monday that Iran's training base had been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Centro Xoloitzcuintle in Tijuana. Taj said the change was requested after meetings with FIFA and World Cup officials in Istanbul and a webinar with the FIFA secretary general.
Iran will open its campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles, face Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and close group play against Egypt on June 21 in Seattle. The squad also applied for Canadian visas in case it advances to the knockout rounds.
The World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, runs from June 11 to July 19.
