Iranian Soccer Team Arrives in Tijuana While U.S. Denies Visas to 15 Federation Officials

The Iranian national soccer team arrived at Tijuana International Airport on June 7, 2026, with midfielder Alireza Jahanbakhsh among those landing in Mexico. U.S. visas to 15 members of Iran’s soccer federation.

U.S. entry for several officials. The delegation urged FIFA to comply with its own rules on facilitating team travel. The visa issue surfaced as FIFA faces mounting political protests during the opening matches of the 2026 World Cup.

The protests add to the logistical complications already affecting Iran’s participation. The team’s World Cup participation has been complicated by the entry restrictions, according to reporting that accompanied photographs of the June 7 arrival. No further details on the status of the denied visas were provided.