United States order Iran to leave within 24 hours of World Cup games
The United States has ordered the Iran national football team to enter and leave the country on the same day for their upcoming World Cup group matches amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Middle Eastern nation will base their tournament headquarters in Mexico after abandoning initial plans to stay in Tucson, Arizona.
Abolfazl Pasandideh, the country’s ambassador to Mexico, confirmed the unprecedented travel restrictions imposed on the squad.
“We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day.”
Pasandideh told reporters as the diplomatic saga surrounding the tournament takes another complex turn.
Mexican base camp approved
The logistical upheaval means the squad will face significant travel demands for their three opening fixtures on American soil.
They begin their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles, before facing Belgium in California six days later and concluding the group stage against Egypt in Seattle.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has openly welcomed the team to stay south of the US border.
“The United States does not want the Iranian team to stay overnight, but they are going to play three matches there.”
Sheinbaum stated while confirming the arrangement.
“So they asked us: ‘Can they stay overnight in Mexico?’ And we said: ‘Yes, no problem.’ We have no problem.”
Visa restrictions and safety concerns
Football’s global governing body, Fifa, previously rejected an official request from the Iranian federation to relocate their fixtures entirely to Mexico.
This logistical headache is further compounded by strict visa regulations targeting the team’s wider entourage.
While players and essential coaching staff have received clearance, Iranian state media report several key figures, including federation chief Mehdi Taj, have been denied entry.
A US State Department official confirmed athletes had been approved but issued a stark warning regarding the wider delegation.
“We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”
US President Donald Trump has previously questioned the appropriateness of the team travelling to America, citing potential threats to their own safety.