00:00Iran's national football team has been cleared to enter the United States for the 2026 World
00:05Cup, but the decision comes with major diplomatic restrictions.
00:09While all 26 players on the roster received visas, Washington rejected applications for
00:15more than a dozen support staff and Federation officials.
00:18Among those denied entry is Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, owing to his
00:23past command in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
00:26The visa restrictions follow severe regional tensions and active conflict involving the
00:31U.S., Israel and Iran since late February.
00:35Donald Trump previously called Iran's participation in the tournament into question, saying it
00:39was not appropriate.
00:42To minimize their time on U.S. soil, the Iranian squad has relocated its base to the Mexican
00:47border city of Tijuana.
00:49The team plans to commute across the border for its group stage matches against New Zealand,
00:53Belgium and Egypt starting June 15th in Los Angeles.
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