Iran National Football Team Set for World Cup Despite Visa Uncertainty

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the Iranian national football team is preparing to depart for its base camp in Mexico. The squad is scheduled to leave Antalya, Turkey, on Saturday, June 6, and arrive in Mexico on Sunday, June 7, according to an official statement from the team.

Departure Amidst Ongoing Visa Delays

The team’s travel plans move forward despite lingering ambiguity regarding the status of their visas for the United States. While the tournament is being jointly hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, Iran is slated to play all of its group-stage matches on American soil. As of early June, the status of these specific travel documents remained unconfirmed.

On Monday, June 1, Iran’s football federation chief, Mehdi Taj, stated that the players were expected to receive their visas for Mexico shortly, adding that he anticipated U.S. Visas would be issued quickly thereafter. However, the federation has not provided a definitive update on whether these documents have been secured.

Final Preparations in Turkey

Ahead of their departure, the Iranian squad has been training in Turkey since May. Their preparation included a series of friendly matches. The team’s final warm-up game, scheduled for Thursday against Mali, was held behind closed doors. The Iranian football federation noted that this decision was made to align with the tactical objectives of the head coach and to maintain the importance of the match away from media scrutiny.

The team’s training camps in Antalya have been ongoing since the start of the conflict between Iran and the U.S. And Israel on February 28. During this period, the team played three friendlies, recording a victory against Costa Rica and The Gambia, while suffering a defeat against Nigeria.

Tournament Outlook

The 2026 World Cup is set to run from June 11 to July 19. While the team will be based in Mexico for the duration of their time in the tournament, the logistical challenge of entering the United States for their group-stage fixtures remains a focal point for the delegation.

Key Takeaways

• Travel Schedule: The Iranian team departs Antalya on June 6, heading for their base camp in Mexico.
• Visa Status: As of June 5, the team is traveling without public confirmation of their U.S. Entry visas.
• Tactical Preparation: The squad held its final warm-up match against Mali behind closed doors to prioritize tactical focus.
• Tournament Context: The 2026 World Cup, hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, commences on June 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the Iranian team playing their group-stage games?

The team is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches in the United States.

Where is the team’s base camp located?

The Iranian national team will be based in Mexico for the duration of the tournament.

When does the World Cup begin?

The tournament is scheduled to run from June 11, 2026, through July 19, 2026.