Iran arrives in Mexico for the World Cup amid visa impasse

Iran arrived early this Sunday (7) in Tijuana, Mexico, to begin preparations for the 2026 World Cup. The delegation disembarked after a flight from Turkey, where the team carried out three weeks of training, and will be staying in the Mexican city, on the border with the United States.

The arrival takes place amidst a scenario of strong political tension. The World Cup marks the first time since the tournament's creation in 1930 that a host country hosts a team from a nation with which it is at war.

The delegation bus left Tijuana airport under police and military escort. Before heading to the hotel that will serve as the team's base, officials stopped quickly to greet around 20 fans who were waiting with Iranian flags.

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Initially, Iran planned to settle in the state of Arizona, in the United States. However, the Iranian federation decided to transfer the training center to Mexico due to uncertainties regarding the granting of visas and the understanding that the team's stay in North American territory should be reduced to the minimum necessary.

The Iranian team debuts in Group G against New Zealand, on June 15, in the Los Angeles region. Then they face Belgium, on June 21st, and end the first phase against Egypt, on June 26th, in Seattle. If they advance in second place in the group, Iran could face the United States in the knockout stage.

Political pressure on players
The environment surrounding the national team goes far beyond football. The country has been experiencing an internal crisis since the protests that gained strength at the end of last year and culminated in a repression that left more than 2,000 dead, according to reports. In parallel, the attacks carried out by the United States and Israel on Iran on February 28 triggered a war that is still ongoing.

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For experts, athletes find themselves in a delicate position. In addition to the pressure to represent the country in a time of conflict, many also face demands related to the internal political scenario.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iranian players drew attention by not singing the national anthem before a match, a gesture interpreted by part of the population as a show of solidarity with protesters protesting against the government.

Visa drama
Iranian participation has also been surrounded by doubts in recent months. After weeks of negotiations, the United States only granted visas to the players on Friday, ten days before the team's debut.

Despite this, members of the federation claim that part of the delegation did not receive authorization to enter the country. According to the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, 15 of the 70 members of the group that arrived in Tijuana remain without visas, including leaders and members of the administrative team.

The Iranian federation accused the United States of failing to fulfill its obligations as host country and violating FIFA regulations. The US State Department stated that all visas necessary for the team's sporting participation have been granted, including those for athletes and support personnel considered essential.

Mexican authorities classified the decision to receive the Iranian delegation in Tijuana as a gesture of cooperation given the circumstances faced by the team on the eve of the World Cup.

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Source: CNN