Iran's road to the World Cup: Last-minute visas and moving training camp

Since Iran qualified for the World Cup on 25 March 2025, its path has become unusually complex. With the host nation at war, Iran faced questions about a base camp and securing US visas. Players' visas were approved on Friday, but several staff visas, including federation head Mehdi Taj, were denied. The U.S. State Department said visas were issued for players and essential staff, while warning against abuse of the system.

Iran moved its base camp from Tucson to Tijuana after FIFA approved the change, with all group matches played in the United States: Los Angeles against New Zealand and Belgium, and Seattle against Egypt. Relations between Iran and the United States remain tense, but football has offered a channel for contact, recalling historic matches in 1998 and 2022. Looking ahead, a potential Iran–USA meeting in the 2026 knockout stage would carry symbolism beyond sport.