Iran prepares for World Cup with Mali warm-up match in Turkey
Iran plays Mali in Turkey warm-up match while preparing for 2026 World Cup amid visa challenges.
Event / Sports
2026 FIFA World Cup
Iran's national football team faces visa complications for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States. Despite obtaining Mexican visas, the team remains without US visas for their group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The team has relocated its base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico while awaiting visa approval.
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2026-08-17 to 2026-11-14 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 3 Jun, 19:04 UTC
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What happened
Iran's World Cup group stage matches confirmed against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt
Iran's national football team will play three group stage matches at the 2026 World Cup: against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 27 in Seattle. These matches place Iran in Group G of the tournament.
Iran's national football team obtains Mexican visas for 2026 World Cup
Iran's national football team received visas for Mexico to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (June 11 - July 19). According to Iranian Ambassador Mohammad Hassan Habibollahzadeh, the visas were issued within 48 hours without requiring the players' physical presence or fingerprints at the Mexican embassy.
Iran's football team awaits US visas for World Cup group matches
Iran's national football team has not yet received visas for entry into the United States, where it must play all three of its group stage matches in the 2026 World Cup. The team's first match against New Zealand is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles. This visa situation affects the team's organization and preparations.
Iran scheduled to play Mali in World Cup warm-up match in Turkey
Iran's national football team is scheduled to play a closed-door preparation match against Mali on Thursday in Antalya, Turkey, before traveling to Mexico for the 2026 World Cup.
Iran relocates World Cup team base camp from Arizona to Tijuana
Iran's national football team relocated its base camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to the absence of US visas. The team was originally planning to establish its training base in the United States but moved it to the Mexican border city to accommodate the visa delays.
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2 alternative perspectives
Iran secures Mexican visas but awaits US approval for World Cup
Iran secured Mexican visas for 2026 World Cup but awaits contested US visa approval.