According to multiple international reports, Iran’s squad will reportedly not be permitted to stay overnight in the United States during the tournament. Instead, the team is expected to travel in and out of the country for each game, a situation that could seriously affect player preparation, recovery, and performance.
The reported restriction means Iran’s players may have to make repeated cross-border journeys between Mexico and the United States throughout the group stage of the tournament.
The issue comes amid ongoing political tensions between both countries ahead of the FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran had originally planned to establish its World Cup base camp in Arizona, USA, but recent developments forced the team to relocate its training base to Tijuana, Mexico. Reports indicate that the Iranian delegation will now prepare for matches from Mexico before traveling into the United States on match days.
Several Iranian officials and support staff were also reportedly denied U.S. visas, although players and key personnel have allegedly received permission to enter for matches.
The situation has sparked strong reactions from Iranian football authorities, who believe the arrangement places the team at a competitive disadvantage compared to other nations participating in the tournament.
Iran’s football federation is reportedly considering raising the matter with FIFA, arguing that the travel demands and restrictions could negatively affect sporting fairness during the competition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to be one of the biggest tournaments in football history, but this latest development has now added a major political dimension to the build-up.
Despite the uncertainty, Iran remain set to participate in the competition and continue preparations ahead of their opening group-stage fixture.
The unusual travel arrangement has now become one of the biggest talking points ahead of the tournament, with many fans questioning how the constant travel could impact the Iranian players physically and mentally during the World Cup.