Uncertainty over Iran World Cup visas continued days before the tournament, as Iranian officials questioned US entry rules for the national football team.
Iran will play all three group-stage matches in the United States. The team faces New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles before meeting Egypt in Seattle.
The players have obtained visas; however, Iran’s ambassador to Mexico said in Tijuana that the squad must enter and leave the United States on the same day as each match.
An Iranian football federation spokesperson had earlier said the players would arrive one day before their first match. The spokesperson said they would arrive two days before the later games.
Iran football chief Mehdi Taj criticised the arrangement in a video shared by state news agency IRNA.
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“Where in the world is a national team only allowed to enter the host country one day before its matches?” Taj said.
Iranian media said Taj was among about 15 staff members denied US visas. The players later obtained visas, but some staff did not.
The Iranian squad moved its training camp from Arizona to Tijuana after visa concerns emerged during the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel. The United States and FIFA have not commented on the matter.
