Iran's national soccer team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, on June 7, 2026 [3], to begin training for the World Cup.
The team's arrival in Mexico follows a period of logistical uncertainty regarding their ability to enter the United States for the tournament. The resolution of these travel arrangements ensures the squad can compete in their scheduled matches despite ongoing diplomatic tensions.
On June 9, 2026 [1], the U.S. Department of Homeland Security said that the players would be allowed to enter the United States the day before each of their three [1] World Cup matches. This arrangement requires the team to maintain a base outside the U.S. and travel across the border shortly before their scheduled appearances.
Upon arriving in Tijuana, the players greeted fans before beginning their training sessions. The city serves as a strategic staging ground for the team to maintain fitness and tactical preparation while awaiting their specific entry windows into the U.S.
While the players have secured entry, the status of their supporters remains a point of contention. Some reports indicate that Iranian players greeted fans in Tijuana, but other claims suggest that the Iranian soccer body believes tickets for fans attending games in the U.S. have been revoked.
The team will use the facilities in Mexico to prepare for the physical demands of the tournament. This unconventional travel schedule—entering the country only 24 hours before competition—is a rare compromise for a national team participating in a major international tournament.
“The players would be allowed to enter the United States the day before each of their three World Cup matches.”
The decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to grant entry only one day before matches reflects a restrictive security posture that prioritizes national security over standard athletic logistics. By forcing the team to train in Mexico and enter the U.S. on a rolling basis, the U.S. government minimizes the duration of the Iranian delegation's stay on American soil while still fulfilling its obligations as a tournament host.
