Iran's national soccer team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, will be permitted to enter the United States the day before each of their three World Cup matches, the Department of Homeland Security announced on Tuesday. This clarification came after media reports over the weekend quoted the Iranian ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, as stating that the team would be required to enter and leave the US on the same day as their matches, raising concerns about logistics and potential impacts on team performance.
DHS Spokesperson Denies Same-Day Requirement
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson refuted the earlier claims, stating, "These statements are untrue. Thanks to the generosity of President Trump, the Iranian team will be able to arrive the day before their matches." The spokesperson emphasized that the team would not be forced to arrive on the same day as their games, alleviating fears of travel-related fatigue and scheduling conflicts.
The Iranian ambassador, speaking through an interpreter to Reuters in Tijuana on Monday, criticized US officials for denying visas to some Iranian football federation staff but noted that the granted visas did not impose overnight stay restrictions. "Their visas don't specify anything about them having to leave at a certain time," he said.
Visa Approvals and Denials
After weeks of uncertainty, the US awarded visas to all players on Friday, just 10 days before their first match. However, several key members of the Iranian squad were not granted visas, including "key managerial and administrative members," according to Iran's football federation. The Iranian embassy in Mexico confirmed that those denied include the team manager, two team analysts, the media director, and a representative of the Foreign Ministry.
Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team originally planned to train in Arizona, but those plans were altered after the US and Israel launched a war against Iran in February.
Trump's Comments on Iran's Participation
In March, President Trump stated that Iran was welcome to participate in the World Cup but expressed reservations about the team staying in the US "for their own life and safety." The DHS's latest announcement provides a degree of certainty for the Iranian team as they prepare for their matches.
