Iran Team Receives US Visas for World Cup — Training in Tijuana

A Path to the Pitch

The Iran national team has secured US visas allowing them to compete in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on American soil, diplomatic sources confirmed Wednesday. Under a special arrangement brokered between FIFA, the US State Department, and the Mexican government, the Iranian delegation will establish a training base in Tijuana, Mexico, and cross the US border only for match days.

Navigating Restrictions

Iran is among several nations whose citizens face heightened US visa scrutiny under current travel policies. The solution — training in Mexico and commuting for matches — is unprecedented for a World Cup team but reflects the diplomatic complexity of hosting a 48-team tournament across three nations with different visa regimes.

"This arrangement ensures the integrity of the competition while respecting all parties' legal frameworks," a FIFA spokesperson said.

Implications for Fans

For Iranian fans hoping to attend the tournament, the situation remains more complex. Standard visa processing times remain lengthy, and many applicants face additional administrative hurdles. This is where Vantage 26's Restricted Region Access concierge service steps in.

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Iran is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand. Their matches will be played at Lumen Field (Seattle), Levi's Stadium (Santa Clara), and SoFi Stadium (Los Angeles).

Training Base Details

The team will train at the facilities of Club Tijuana (Xolos) in Baja California, taking advantage of the similar climate and altitude conditions they will face in their host cities. The arrangement was facilitated by FIFA's World Cup organizing committee with full cooperation from all three host nations.