Iran World Cup team receives U.S. visas for matches near Los Angeles

U.S. officials said Friday that members of Iran's World Cup team have been granted visas, clearing them to enter the United States from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico. The visas cover players, coaches, trainers, and some support staff. Officials said all players were approved and were in the process of receiving the documents.

Background on visa processing Earlier problems with visa processing had prompted Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana. The second official could not confirm whether any applicants had been denied. It was not immediately clear when the team would receive its passports back, though the official said it could happen as early as Friday or Saturday.

Schedule and context Iran is scheduled to play New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Inglewood, California, then face Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team could meet the United States in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, if both advance.

The squad had trained in Antalya, Turkey, before moving to Tijuana and had already received Mexican visas from the embassy in Ankara. One U.S. official noted that sports transcends borders and expressed anticipation for welcoming competitors and fans.

Iran finalized its roster Monday, including 17 players based in the country whose clubs have not played since February due to the ongoing conflict with Israel.