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Iran Soccer Arrives Tijuana After Fast Visas, IRGC Banned

6/4/2026

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Summary

Iran Team Arrives

Iran’s football team will arrive in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to start World Cup training.
Mexican visas were issued within 48 hours after diplomatic coordination, said Ambassador Mohammad-Hassan Habibollahzadeh.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-linked individuals will be barred from embedding with the delegation.

Summary

Iran Plays Closed-Door

Iran will play its pre-World Cup friendly behind closed doors on Thursday in a Turkish resort, with no media.
FIFA approved moving Iran’s base from Tucson to Tijuana after the United States barred the team.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said Mexico will host Iran’s camp and allow overnight stays, a role the United States declined.
Iran’s participation is uncertain after late-February U.S. and Israeli air strikes intensified the West Asia conflict.

History

Historical Context

After the 1979 Iranian Revolution toppled the Shah and broke U.S.–Iran diplomatic ties, the new regime endured U.S. sanctions and the 444-day hostage crisis that hardened anti-American policies. Decades of these restrictions have repeatedly disrupted Iranian participation in international events, prompting FIFA in 2026 to relocate Iran’s World Cup camp to Tijuana after the United States denied team visas.

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Iran Team Arrives

Iran’s football team will arrive in Tijuana, Mexico, on Sunday, June 7, 2026, to start World Cup training.
Mexican visas were issued within 48 hours after diplomatic coordination, said Ambassador Mohammad-Hassan Habibollahzadeh.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC)-linked individuals will be barred from embedding with the delegation.

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