- Iranian World Cup players have secured visas for entry into the United States, a US official confirmed, ahead of their upcoming match in Los Angeles.
- Despite this, several key staff members of the Iranian football federation, including the executive director and secretary general, are reportedly still awaiting their visas.
- Iran's football federation criticised the US's actions as "non-sporting and completely political," asserting they contradict international sports laws, and intends to escalate the issue with FIFA.
- Due to these visa complications and a desire to minimise the squad's US presence, the team's base was relocated from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
- The situation highlights a geopolitical contest between the US and Iran, with the US Secretary of State stating that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be denied entry.
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