Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, has publicly criticized the United States for the ongoing delays in issuing visas to the Iranian national football team, asserting that the team is not competing on "equal terms" ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Pasandideh made these remarks during a press conference in Tijuana, Mexico, where the Iranian team has relocated its training camp after their original base in Tucson, Arizona, became unavailable. The team's inability to train effectively in the US and the uncertainty surrounding their visas are significant concerns for Iran as they prepare for the global tournament.

The ambassador specifically referred to the host nation, the "country to the north," implying the United States, as failing to uphold its hosting responsibilities. He expressed uncertainty about whether the players would ultimately receive their visas, highlighting a lack of clarity from US authorities. Iran is scheduled to play its group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.

This situation has direct implications for Iran’s performance in the World Cup. Pasandideh stated that the team has been unable to train as they should, attributing this difficulty in part to the ongoing conflict involving the US and Israel, which he claims began on February 28. The Iranian Football Federation had previously expressed hope for multiple-entry visas for the squad and staff.

Iranian diplomats visited the stadium where the team is currently training in Tijuana and met with local security officials, according to a source from Club Tijuana. The team's base in Mexico signifies a significant logistical challenge, requiring them to travel to the US for each of their three group matches.

Iran is slated to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium in the same city on June 21. Their final group game is scheduled against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The visa issues raise questions about the fairness of the competition and the logistical support provided to participating nations. The US, along with co-hosts Mexico and Canada, have previously announced travel measures related to Ebola concerns for the World Cup, but the specific visa challenges faced by Iran remain a point of contention.

This situation also brings to mind past instances where political tensions have impacted international sporting events. While the specific reasons for the visa delays are not fully clear, the ambassador’s strong statement underscores the diplomatic friction surrounding Iran’s participation in the World Cup.