Iran's national football team reached the United States, arriving at Los Angeles International Airport on Sunday ahead of their FIFA World Cup opener against New Zealand scheduled for Monday.
Emotional Send-off in Tijuana
Earlier, the Iran football team received a rousing send-off from fans as they left their Tijuana base camp. According to Reuters, supporters lined up on a packed sidewalk outside the team's hotel and chanted 'Team Melli' (Persian for 'national team') as players emerged from the hotel one by one for a walk towards the team bus.
Support staff in red Iran shirts distributed national flags to the crowd through green fencing, which fans waved with pride and fury as the team emerged. Players wore navy blue polo shirts and beige trousers, accepting the warm reception by waving back and smiling. The scene was captured on video by fans on their phones.
A supporter held a yellow sign with black lettering expressing Mexico's solidarity with Iran, saying, 'Iran, you will never walk alone. Mexico stands with you.' One young boy stood on someone's shoulders, holding a FIFA World Cup sticker album with the Iran squad page open.
The crowd sang, 'Iran, brother, you are Mexican now.' Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj was outside the hotel as the players left, with many fans following the team bus as it began its ride. The Iranian community in Tijuana is just around 20 people, much smaller than Los Angeles, which is home to the largest community of Iranians outside Iran.
Visa Uncertainties and Base Camp Shift
Iran had shifted its World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana following uncertainty surrounding entry arrangements to the United States. The move came after weeks of concern over whether members of the delegation would receive necessary visas to travel for the tournament. The uncertainty stemmed from requests to shift matches from outside the US after joint strikes by the US and Israel on Iran in late February. However, both nations are set to sign a peace deal on June 19, as announced by President Trump.
World Cup Campaign
Iran is scheduled to open their Group G campaign against New Zealand near Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium on June 21. Their final group-stage match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team's participation has been closely watched due to strained relations between Tehran and Washington and the broader political situation. Players have also found themselves under scrutiny amid domestic unrest and the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
Visa Issues Persist
Visa issues remained a point of contention even after US authorities approved travel documents for the players ahead of the tournament. Iran's football federation said several members of its broader delegation had not received visas, leaving parts of the support staff unable to travel. Despite off-field challenges, Iran's focus now turns to its World Cup campaign as it seeks to advance from a competitive group and make an impact on football's biggest stage.
