A report says Iran has moved its training base from the United States to Tijuana after visa complications disrupted its plans. Players reportedly received entry clearance close to their opening match, while some members of the staff were reportedly unable to enter the country.
The account also says Iran’s group fixtures are all in the United States, with the first two in Los Angeles and the final one in Seattle. That would require the squad to cross the border on matchdays while remaining based in Mexico.
For any team, that routine can affect recovery, training time and preparation. For Iran, the political tension surrounding its relationship with one of the host nations adds another layer to an already demanding schedule.
The move from 32 teams to 48 is intended to widen the World Cup’s reach. More nations from Asia and Africa now have a clearer route to qualification, including countries appearing at the finals for the first time.
Yet broader representation means little if players, coaches and supporters face uncertainty getting into the host countries. Visa barriers can create a competitive disadvantage before tactical quality becomes relevant, particularly when teams must manage multiple border crossings during a short group stage.
Africa’s prospects are no longer defined solely by participation. Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, defeating Spain and Portugal before narrowly losing to France.
That run raised expectations across the continent and showed that African teams can challenge elite opposition over several rounds. The next challenge is ensuring that off-field obstacles do not prevent more teams from reaching their competitive ceiling.
The tournament’s next storyline will be whether its organizers can match expanded access with practical access. For Iran, the opening fixture may begin long before the match itself-with the journey to the stadium.