Iran's national soccer team trained in Tijuana, Mexico on Friday (June 12) ahead of their opening World Cup match against New Zealand on Monday (June 15), as the team continues to prepare despite significant off-field disruptions.

Fifteen Iranian soccer federation members have been denied U.S. visas, forcing the team to relocate their training base from Arizona to Tijuana at the last minute.

Iran's World Cup team supervisor Mahdi Mohammad Nabi told Reuters on Thursday (June 11) FIFA President Gianni Infantino has failed to deliver on promises to secure full access for Iranian federation members, with the visa saga described as causing unprecedented disruption to the team's preparations.

The U.S. State Department said visas were denied over security concerns, while FIFA said it cannot dictate immigration decisions to host nations.

Iran's players were granted U.S. visas ten days before their first match, which is scheduled to be played outside Los Angeles.

DESCRIPCIÓN DE IMÁGENES

TIJUANA, BAJA CALIFORNIA, MEXICO (JUNE 12, 2026) (REUTERS - Access all)

1. VARIOUS OF IRAN'S NATIONAL SOCCER TEAM PLAYERS TRAINING AT ESTADIO CALIENTE

2. COACH LOOKING ON

3. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS JOGGING AND KICKING BALL

4. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS STRETCHING

5. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS DOING MULTIPLE EXERCISES AND STRETCHING

6. VARIOUS OF GOALKEEPERS TRAINING

7. VARIOUS OF PLAYERS DURING TRAINING SESSION