Iran defender Ehsan Hajsafi criticizes FIFA over visa delays as World Cup squad arrives in Mexico amid US entry issues
The Iranian national team arrived in Mexico on Sunday, but members of the delegation are still waiting for U.S. visas ahead of three World Cup group-stage matches scheduled to be played in the United States later this month.
The situation has added further uncertainty to Iran’s tournament preparations, which have already been disrupted by regional conflict and earlier visa delays. Those issues previously forced the team to relocate its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, just south of the U.S. border.
Defender Ehsan Hajsafi said the squad was relieved to finally arrive together in Mexico, but he criticized the handling of the visa process and said only players and part of the coaching staff had been cleared.
“First of all, we’re very happy that the team has finally arrived, and we’re delighted about that,” Hajsafi said. “Thank God, the team’s condition is very good.
“With everything that happened, visas were eventually issued. Personally, however, I do have a complaint about FIFA. Why did it take so long? As far as I understand, visas were issued only to the players and a few members of the coaching staff.”
Several members of the Iranian delegation remain without entry clearance to the United States, including senior federation officials, raising concerns ahead of matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
“Unfortunately, several key members of our coaching staff, whose roles are very important within the team, were not granted visas,” Hajsafi said. “That includes the team manager, the executive director and the media director, all of whom play very important roles.
“From here, I would like to ask FIFA to address this issue so that, God willing, the situation can be resolved in the coming days.”
The team traveled from Antalya, Turkey, arriving in Mexico on a private charter flight before being processed through a brief security screening and continuing by bus. A small group of supporters greeted the squad upon arrival.
Iran opens group-stage play against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt, with additional travel to Seattle. A potential knockout-stage meeting with the United States remains possible depending on results.
The buildup to the tournament has unfolded amid broader political tension and earlier remarks questioning Iran’s participation, while the national federation has insisted that all players and staff should receive visas to ensure full participation.
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