The United States is refusing to shift from its hardline stance on the strict visa conditions imposed on Iran’s soccer team – and has doubled down on its vow not to allow them to ‘sneak terrorists’ into the country.
In a controversial move which has sparked widespread condemnation, the US State Department refused entry to around 15 Iranian officials for the World Cup, and has said those entering America for the country’s three group matches have to arrive and depart on the same day.
On Sunday, the Iranians landed at their camp in Mexico, having been forced to switch bases following the outbreak of war with the Americans.
Amid a bitter diplomatic row and delay in issuing the necessary paperwork, coach Amir Ghalenoei complained on arrival at Tijuana airport that the group ‘should have been here last week because a 12-hour time difference needs two weeks of adjusting’.
He added: ‘Usually in these tournaments, before technical matters, ethical and human considerations must be respected – which I think for us it was not the case.’
Despite multiple requests, FIFA is yet to comment on the situation, which some believe may undermine the integrity of the competition.
Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi is angry at how his team has been treated before the World Cup
The team’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has backed his side to progress far in the tournament
When contacted by the Daily Mail, the US State Department repeated its earlier, accusatory statement. It said: ‘The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued. We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences.’
Ghalenoei, who said he was confident his side would progress from the group stages, added: ‘We are upset about this behaviour. It has certainly never happened before.’
Iran captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, said he wanted to complain to FIFA over a delay in receiving the visas. ‘Why so late?’ he asked. ‘In the last year, we experienced two imposed wars in our country.’
Iran play twice in Los Angeles and once in Seattle, with their first game against New Zealand on June 15. Belgium and Egypt are also in their group.
Should the restrictions stand they will be unable to comply with FIFA requirements including the necessity to hold a press conference in the stadium a day before the game.
More importantly, the demand to enter and leave the country on gameday could significantly hamper preparation and recovery.
Iranian state-linked media said the 15 included the head of the football federation, his deputy, and a media director. The competition starts on 11 June. Iran qualified in March 2025, close to a year before the US and Israel began its attacks.
Iran and the U.S. could meet in the round of 32 if both teams come second in their groups.
Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said: ‘The Department of Homeland Security is steadfast in our commitment to the safety and security of the American people and attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s leadership, this will be the greatest and safest sporting event in history.
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‘DHS is intricately involved in the whole of government approach securing the 11 host city sites across the nation, including Los Angeles.’
It comes as Iran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday, retaliating on strikes in Beirut.
President Trump called for calm between the two nations and said he would tell Israel not to hit back.
‘We’re very close,’ the president told Fox News about his progress on a landmark peace deal. ‘I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place.’
Addressing Iran, he said: ‘You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.’
