Iran's World Cup squad left Turkey for Mexico on Saturday, departing under the cloud of a bitter diplomatic dispute over US visas for some team members, just days before the tournament's start.
Players and technical staff received their US visas, but 15 administrative and management personnel were denied, according to Iranian state TV. Iran's Football Federation called it political interference, pledging to take the matter to FIFA.
The team will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, for the tournament. All three of their Group G matches are scheduled in the United States: against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, and Egypt in Seattle.
The US administration confirmed visas were issued for athletes and necessary support staff, but an official stated they would not allow Iran to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States."