Iran national team can enter U.S. only on World Cup matchday

Iran's national team for the 2026 World Cup is reportedly allowed to enter the United States only on match day and must leave again the same day. Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said the restriction comes amid strict U.S. visa rules tied to tensions between Washington and Tehran. The impact has led Iran to completely change its preparation schedule, moving its training camp to Mexico and canceling plans to train in Tucson, Arizona. Iran is scheduled to play three group-stage matches in the U.S., including two games in Los Angeles, California, and one in Seattle, Washington.