Ruptly
"The Iranian national team arrived in Tijuana early Sunday, where it will establish its base for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after being unable to stay in the United States due to visa restrictions imposed by the host country. Footage shows players and coaching staff disembarking their aircraft at Tijuana International Airport before boarding the team bus, as journalists gathered to document the squad's arrival. The team began its journey in Antalya, Turkey, before making a technical stop in Spain and continuing on to Mexico, where the team will remain throughout the tournament. Although Iran's Group F matches will be played in the United States, the squad is required to enter and leave the country on the same day as each fixture, forcing significant logistical adjustments to its World Cup preparations. This comes as Washington continues to target individuals suspected of links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the 22-player squad and senior coaching staff were granted entry under special athletic exemptions, numerous members of the team's support staff were denied visas. Among those completely barred from entering the United States is Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj. The Iranian team will face Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand in Group F, with their opening match scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles. The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off on June 11 and runs through July 19. It will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada and Mexico and is the first edition featuring 48 teams, with previous editions seeing 32 nations compete."
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