Iran ordered to leave the US within 24 hours for each World Cup 2026 group match

Iran’s World Cup squad has been ordered to enter and leave the United States on the same day for each of their three group-stage matches, according to the country’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh. “We can enter in the morning and we must leave the same day,” Pasandideh told reporters, confirming the strict timeline imposed by US authorities ahead of the 2026 tournament.

The restriction means Iran will be based in Mexico rather than on American soil. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the arrangement, saying the US had asked whether Iran’s squad could stay overnight in Mexico between fixtures, and her government agreed without hesitation. “We have no reason to deny them the possibility of staying in Mexico,” Sheinbaum said.

Iran’s group schedule places all three matches inside the United States. They open against New Zealand in Los Angeles, face Belgium six days later in California, and conclude the group stage against Egypt in Seattle — with the prospect of further games on US soil should they advance to the knockout rounds.

The squad had originally planned to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but those arrangements collapsed amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington rooted in the broader conflict in the Middle East. Iran previously sought to have their matches relocated to Mexico, a request FIFA declined.

US President Donald Trump had earlier cast doubt on Iran’s participation, stating that while the team was welcome at the World Cup, he did not believe “it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety.” The US subsequently issued visas for Iran’s players and what it described as necessary support staff, though Iranian state media and diplomats reported that several members of the wider delegation — including Iranian football federation chief Mehdi Taj — were denied entry documents.

A US State Department official confirmed that “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued,” while adding that authorities would not allow the system to be exploited to bring individuals into the country under false pretences.