Iran's World Cup squad left their hotel in Tijuana on Monday, heading to the stadium. Caliente Stadium, as the team prepares for Group G matches, amid tensions that have transformed the world's biggest sporting event into a "soft power" contest between countries in conflict.
The Iranian Football Federation negotiated at the last minute to have the team based in Mexico rather than the United States, due to visa uncertainties and a growing sense in Iran that the team's presence in the United States should be limited, Iran's ambassador told Reuters a few days ago.
The US issued visas to all players on Friday, just 10 days before the first match. However, 15 of the 70 members of the traveling delegation — including key administrative staff — were denied entry. This led the Iranian Football Federation to accuse the US of violating its obligations as a host country.
Iran is scheduled to play its first two Group G matches near Los Angeles: against New Zealand on June 15 and against Belgium on June 21, before facing Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
Iran and the USA could face off in the round of 32 if both teams finish second in their respective groups.
