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Iran’s World Cup Players Cleared for US Entry as Staff Visas Remain Unresolved

US authorities approved visas for Iran’s roster while enforcing bans on Revolutionary Guard‑linked entrants and the team will base in Tijuana and commute for matches.

Overview

  • US officials confirmed late Friday that all Iran players on the tournament roster were granted visas to enter the United States for their group matches.
  • Several technical and administrative staff have not received US visas and some applications were reportedly denied, with those individuals planning to reapply from Mexico.
  • Iran moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, to limit time on US soil and to enable same‑day travel across the border for matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
  • Washington has said it will bar anyone with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from joining Iran’s delegation, and US officials warned they will scrutinize travel to prevent misuse of delegation visas.
  • The decision preserves Iran’s place in the tournament but highlights how the February war with the US has forced unusual logistics and diplomatic negotiation around a major sporting event.