United News of Bangladesh

Members of Iran’s national football team have received approval for U.S. visas, allowing them to travel from their training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States for their opening World Cup matches near Los Angeles later this month, according to U.S. officials. Iran’s participation in the tournament has faced challenges due to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. Visa-processing difficulties had earlier prompted the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, just across the U.S.-Mexico border. One U.S. official said all Iranian players had been cleared for visas and were in the process of receiving them. Another official confirmed that visas had also been granted to coaches, trainers, and several support staff members. While officials could not confirm whether any visa applications had been denied, one source indicated that some individuals connected to the team may have been rejected after allegedly applying under false claims. The officials spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to discuss visa matters publicly. The team’s passports were expected to be returned soon, potentially as early as Friday or Saturday, enabling travel arrangements to proceed. Iran has been preparing for the World Cup in Antalya, Turkey, before moving to Tijuana. The team previously confirmed that Mexican visas had been issued through Mexico’s embassy in Ankara. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack praised embassy staff in Ankara for facilitating the visa process, stating that sports have the power to bring people together across national boundaries and expressing enthusiasm about welcoming athletes and supporters from around the world. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15, followed by a match against Belgium on June 21. The team will then travel to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the tournament’s Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas. Earlier this year, President Donald Trump questioned whether Iran should participate in the World Cup, citing security concerns. Iran’s national team responded by asserting that no country could prevent it from competing. The final Iranian squad was announced on Monday and includes 17 players based in Iran, whose domestic clubs have been inactive since February due to the war. Notably, star striker Sardar Azmoun was left out of the squad after reportedly posting content on social media that displeased Iranian authorities. Although Iran’s sports minister had previously suggested participation might not be possible, the country’s football federation later confirmed that preparations for the World Cup would continue. The federation also maintained that visas should be issued to all players and staff members, including those who had completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.