Iran Shifts World Cup Training Camp to Mexico After US Denies Visas to Some Officials and Staff

Iran’s national soccer team prepared to depart its training camp in Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday for a new base in Tijuana, Mexico. S. visas. Iran had originally planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, before shifting the camp to Mexico.

The team received entry visas from Mexico’s Embassy in Ankara. S. visas. The same official added that visas had been issued for players, coaches, trainers and some support staff.

The official also said some applicants affiliated with the team had been rejected for requesting visas under false pretenses. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity. Iranian state television reported that federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi were among those still awaiting visas.

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. S. has denied visas to “a large portion” of the support staff for the Iranian national soccer team, the Iranian Embassy in Turkey said.

U.S. said players could enter the country. Iranian officials say a “large” number of key staff denied visas as the team is set to travel to Mexico.

The row erupted just days before the June 11 start of the 2026 World Cup.