Washington (Sports Desk) The Iranian football team participating in the World Cup 2026 has been granted limited entry permission into the United States, but has not been allowed to stay in the country.
According to reports, Iranian players will arrive in the US only on match days and will return on the same day after the completion of their games. These restrictions have been imposed in the backdrop of ongoing diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said that the team will only be allowed entry for matches and will have to leave the same day.
During the World Cup, Iran is scheduled to play matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in US cities including Los Angeles and Seattle. The Iranian team’s training base has been set up in Mexico, where players are continuing their preparations.
This unusual arrangement is being seen as a clear example of how political and diplomatic conditions can influence international sporting events.