Iran’s national soccer team has embarked on its journey to the World Cup, departing from Antalya, Turkey, for their training base in Mexico. However, the team faces logistical challenges as some officials have not yet received U.S. visas, which are necessary for their upcoming matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Visa Complications
The Iranian Football Federation’s secretary-general, Hedayat Mombeini, and vice president, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, are among 14 staff members who have not been granted U.S. visas. The federation claims this situation has created an uneven playing field and plans to address the issue with FIFA, the world soccer authority.
While all players have received their visas, some officials were reportedly rejected due to alleged false pretenses in their applications. The Iranian Embassy in Ankara criticized the U.S. for what it perceives as politically biased interference in sports, following a congratulatory post by U.S. Ambassador Tom Barrack regarding the visa processing.
Training and Preparation
Due to the visa issues, Iran moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, which is close to the California border. The team has been preparing at a camp in Antalya, and players have been issued visas by the Mexican Embassy in Ankara.
The Iranian squad, dressed in blue blazers over white T-shirts, left their hotel in Antalya and boarded a private jet to Mexico. They are set to play against New Zealand and Belgium in Inglewood, California, before heading to Seattle to face Egypt. A potential match against the U.S. could occur if both teams advance to the round of 32.
Political Tensions
Earlier this year, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed concerns over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, citing player safety. Despite these tensions, Iran’s soccer federation has persisted in its efforts to compete, finalizing a team that includes 17 home-based players. The federation has insisted on visas for all players and staff, including those with military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
As the World Cup approaches, the Iranian team remains focused on their matches, despite the backdrop of political and logistical challenges.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
