As the 2026 FIFA World Cup gets underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, Iran’s national team finds itself facing one of the tournament’s most unusual situations.

According to Iranian officials, Team Melli will not be permitted to stay in the United States during the competition despite all three of their group-stage matches taking place there. Instead, the squad will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, crossing the border into the U.S. on matchdays before returning to Mexico immediately after each game. Reports suggest players will only be allowed to enter the country on the same day as their fixtures and must leave once the match concludes.

The arrangement comes amid ongoing political tensions between Iran and the United States, which have spilled into football preparations. While Iranian players have reportedly been granted visas, several senior federation officials and support staff are said to have been denied entry, prompting criticism from Iran’s Football Federation.

Originally, Iran had planned to base themselves in Arizona for the tournament. However, uncertainty surrounding visa approvals and wider geopolitical concerns forced a change of plans, with FIFA approving a move to Mexico instead.

The situation has sparked debate among football fans, many questioning whether the restrictions could impact Iran’s preparation and recovery compared to other nations who are able to remain close to their match venues throughout the tournament. Unlike most teams, Iran will reportedly have to manage repeated international travel between matches while navigating tight logistical schedules.

The controversy arrives alongside other World Cup immigration stories, including the recent case of Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the United States despite being selected by FIFA to officiate at the tournament.

For now, Iran’s focus remains on football. But their World Cup campaign is already shaping up to be one of the most politically charged stories of the tournament, with questions continuing to swirl about the intersection of sport, diplomacy and international relations on football’s biggest stage.

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