Iran's footballers touched down in Mexico on Sunday morning with heavy security in place. The team's arrival marked the beginning of their 2026 FIFA World Cup journey despite diplomatic tensions over visas.
Around 5:00 am, the squad's bus left the airport under tight guard. Dozens of supporters gathered to welcome them, including Sadegh Galavi, a local mechanic.
Galavi told reporters he wanted to show his support for Team Melli. "I'm very excited to see them," he said.
"My national team is coming to my city, and being here is a small thing I can do just to welcome them."
But a visa row has cast a shadow over their World Cup preparations. While players received clearance to enter the United States for group matches, about 15 officials were denied entry.
Among those turned away was Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, who once served in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Washington classifies that organization as a terrorist entity.
Some supporters questioned why politics and sport had become entangled. According to Galavi, the situation made little sense for international competition.
"Sport is supposed to be a symbol of peace," he noted. "When you mix politics and sports, it doesn't work."
Mexican police and military personnel escorted the team throughout their arrival. Security remained tight at their hotel and training base at Estadio Caliente.
Hossein Nikyar drove overnight from Los Angeles with his son to greet the players. He accepted the heavy security as necessary given current circumstances.
"It's safer for them to be here than in Los Angeles anyway," Nikyar told reporters. He'd travelled through the night to witness the homecoming.
Yet he also challenged FIFA's claims about keeping politics out of world football. "FIFA claims there's no politics in the World Cup and it's all about fair play," he said.
"But in fact, we see that it's not true."
Iran faces upcoming group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The controversy surrounding their participation continues to dominate discussions as kick-off approaches.
The team's journey reflects broader geopolitical tensions affecting international sport. Their World Cup campaign will unfold under unprecedented scrutiny both on and off the field.
