Iran has requested clarification from FIFA regarding the timing of visa approvals for the upcoming World Cup after moving its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana.
The change of base comes amid diplomatic tensions and visa-related challenges, leaving the national team dependent on cross-border travel arrangements for its Group G fixtures against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt, which are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Officials from the Iran Football Federation are seeking certainty over travel documentation as preparations for the tournament continue.
Iran Awaits FIFA Decision On World Cup Travel Documents
Speaking on the matter, Iran Football Federation first vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi confirmed that the federation had formally contacted FIFA for an update after previously submitting its visa applications.
“Look, we sent an email to FIFA today and asked them to announce the result as soon as possible, to say on what day the visas will be issued, because we now need both multiple-entry Mexican visas and multiple-entry US visas.
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“Based on the latest conversation we had, they replied that the administrative process will most likely be completed this week.”
Iran’s relocation to the Mexican border city of Tijuana means the squad will need authorisation to travel between Mexico and the United States throughout the group stage.
Iran’s World Cup Participation Remains Under Scrutiny
The Islamic state is due to play all three of its Group G matches on American soil, making visa approvals a critical part of the team’s tournament planning.
The country’s involvement in the World Cup has faced uncertainty since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February 2026, creating concerns over travel and logistical arrangements ahead of the competition.
For now, Iranian football officials are awaiting FIFA’s confirmation on when the required visas will be issued as the countdown to the tournament continues.
