The United States is implementing travel restrictions on Iran's national soccer team as the 2026 World Cup approaches, amid ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Iran's team, known as Team Melli, is set to play all three of its matches in the U.S., starting with a match against New Zealand on June 15 at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. Initially, the team planned to train in Tucson, Arizona, but FIFA approved a request to relocate their base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, due to security concerns following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran earlier this year.
In March, President Donald Trump expressed concerns about the team's travel to the U.S., stating it may not be appropriate for their safety. The visa process for the team has faced scrutiny, as U.S. officials noted some delegation members have ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which the U.S. designates as a terrorist organization. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that the administration does not object to Iranian athletes entering the U.S. but is cautious about allowing individuals with ties to the IRGC.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) confirmed that necessary visas for the Iranian team to compete have been issued but emphasized that not all delegation members would be approved. Iranian players and officials have criticized the restrictions, claiming that visa delays and travel limitations have impacted their preparation for the tournament. Iranian officials also asserted that the team would have to enter and leave the U.S. on the same day as their matches, a claim the DHS disputed, stating that the team would be allowed to arrive the day before each match. The Iranian team has arrived in Mexico and will remain based in Tijuana while traveling to the U.S. for their matches, highlighting the politically sensitive logistics of the upcoming World Cup, which is co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada.