TEHRAN (Sports Desk) – Iran’s Football Federation has confirmed the national team’s group-stage schedule for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing visa challenges affecting part of its delegation.
While players secured visas to enter the United States for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, around 15 administrative and management staff members were reportedly denied entry, according to Iranian officials.
The team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, throughout the tournament and travel to match venues shortly before each game. Iran opens its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by Belgium on June 21 in the same city and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi said the squad would travel to the United States on a charter flight in line with FIFA arrangements, arriving one or two days before each match.
Meanwhile, Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali warned against the display of symbols or slogans opposing the Islamic Republic during matches, stating that team officials would be expected to intervene if such incidents occur and urging organisers to address any such situations.
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Iran’s participation in the tournament has been overshadowed by the visa dispute, which Tehran says has prevented several delegation members from entering the United States.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, begins on Thursday.
