Iran's national football federation has formally requested FIFA clarify when tournament visas will be issued, following the relocation of their World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.
Mehdi Mohammadnabi, first vice president of the FFIRI, confirmed the federation emailed FIFA seeking a firm answer after earlier visa applications. The team now requires both multiple-entry Mexican and US visas to cross the border for Group G matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle.
FIFA proposed the Tijuana camp after diplomatic friction and visa complications arose following the US and Israel attack on Iran in late February. Mohammadnabi stated FIFA indicated the administrative process should be completed this week, and the team expects to travel in about a week.
On the pitch, Iran came from behind to beat Gambia 3-1 in a warm-up match in Antalya, Turkey. Gambia led through Omar Colley before halftime, but second-half goals from Aria Yousefi, Ramin Rezaeian, and Mehdi Taremi sealed the comeback.