War, visas and 24 hours to enter: how Iran's national team fights for football at the 2026 World Cup
Entry to the US only 24 hours before matches, immediate departure after games, visa denials for staff, suspension of the domestic league due to war. Despite it all, Iran drew 2:2 with New Zealand. The coach called his team the "most oppressed" at the tournament.
As reported by CCTV+, due to US travel bans, visa denials and regional conflict, Iran's national team has overcome incredible off field obstacles to participate in the current FIFA World Cup. The team's preparation moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, just weeks before the tournament. Now the team is only allowed to enter the US 24 hours before a match and must leave immediately after, compounded by the suspension of the domestic league due to war.
The situation worsened when several staff members were denied US visas before the opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, forcing the team to leave the country almost immediately after the game. This led head coach Amir Ghalenoei to call Iran the "most oppressed" team at the World Cup. Jalal Tabatabaei, a person familiar with the team's situation, said: "I think FIFA should be more fair to them. It's very difficult. Difficult for them, transport issues are extremely challenging. Getting visas to travel to the United States from here is very, very difficult."
Iran's top flight football league, the Persian Gulf Pro League, was suspended indefinitely on February 28, 2026, following US Israeli strikes on Iran. Despite the geopolitical tension, Iran enjoyed strong support in Tijuana. Local fans filled the stands to back the team, rallying around them as they secured a hard fought 2:2 draw with New Zealand. Next, they face group favourites Belgium, followed by a final group match against a strong Egyptian side, but their fans remain confident. One Iranian fan said: "The players have a lot of character. They can do it. I think they can do it. It's a tough group. A tough situation with FIFA. In my view, it's unfair. But other than that, they should do whatever they can. They are fighting for their country. You can see it clearly on the pitch."
The expanded 2026 World Cup features a record 48 teams and is hosted jointly by three countries for the first time: Mexico, Canada and the United States. The tournament runs until July 19. For Iran, every match is not just a game, but a battle to be heard.
The Persian Gulf Pro League is Iran's top football division. It was suspended on February 28, 2026, following the outbreak of hostilities between the US/Israel and Iran. Visa restrictions for Iranian citizens are a systemic issue, worsened by the conflict. The Iranian team is forced to base itself in Mexico and enter the US only for matches. Despite all the difficulties, the team showed character, drawing 2:2 with New Zealand. Ahead lie matches against Belgium and Egypt.
When war, visas and politics become obstacles to a ball, football becomes more than a game. Iran arrived at the World Cup not as favourites, but as a team that had to fight for every minute on the pitch — and every minute off it. 24 hours to enter, immediate exit, visa denials, a suspended league — these are not just inconveniences. They are trials that would break many. But Iranians did not break. They drew with New Zealand and are preparing for Belgium. And when their fans say "they are fighting for their country," it sounds not like a slogan, but a statement of fact. Football goes on — despite everything.
