Visa denials and war tensions cloud Iran's World Cup opener against New Zealand
Off-field politics overshadow Iran's Group G debut in Los Angeles on Monday, as 11 delegation members including the federation president remain barred from the United States.
Political backdrop
Iran's first World Cup match against New Zealand on 15 June will be played against the backdrop of the U.S. war with Iran and in a region that hosts the largest Iranian community outside the country. The Iranian team already moved its base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, and will now travel internationally for each of its three group-stage matches in the United States. During Friday's opening ceremony at Los Angeles Stadium, boos could be heard when the Iranian flag was carried onto the field.
Visa controversy
Of the 15 Iranian delegation members initially denied U.S. visas, 10 submitted fresh applications after arriving in Mexico. Four appeals succeeded, securing entry for a technical staff analyst and two officials from the federation's international department. The remaining six were rejected again: Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, a vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer and a security officer. A second media officer chose not to reapply. The U.S. also revoked Iran's group-stage ticket allocation for supporters, though Fifa says it is working to maximise opportunities for Iranian fans to attend.
Iran's players will be welcome at the tournament but individuals with links to the IRGC could face entry restrictions.
The federation had earlier presented Fifa with 10 conditions for participation, including allowing people who completed military service with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Iran was not represented at the Fifa congress in Vancouver in April after officials were turned away at the Canadian border, with Canadian authorities citing the IRGC links of delegation members.
Two teams chasing history
Iran are appearing at a fourth straight World Cup and seventh overall but have never reached the knockout stage. New Zealand, back at the finals for the first time since 2010 and making only a third appearance, are still seeking a first World Cup win. The 2010 All Whites left South Africa unbeaten after draws with Slovakia, Italy and Paraguay. Monday's fixture is the first World Cup meeting between the teams and the first time either has faced opposition from the other's confederation at the tournament.
- New Zealand beats New Caledonia 3-0 to qualify
- Iran draws 2-2 with Uzbekistan to secure place
- Opening ceremony: Iranian flag booed at Los Angeles Stadium
- Iran v New Zealand match at Los Angeles Stadium
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, the first Iran-born manager to lead the national team at a World Cup since Jalal Talebi in 1998, guided his side through Asian qualifying with a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on 25 March 2025. New Zealand booked their spot a day earlier, beating New Caledonia 3-0 in the Oceania final.
Gesture of goodwill
In Mexico City, Iran's top diplomat presented the team's presence in the United States as a signal of goodwill amid negotiations to end the conflict.
Iran and the US can be very good friends.
At the global fan expo in Chapultepec Park, Iran's booth offers traditional pastries and Persian rugs, a scene the ambassador contrasted with the reception the side has received from the U.S.
Group G path
After facing New Zealand, Iran return to Los Angeles to play Belgium on 21 June, then meet Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The political pressures around the squad look unlikely to ease, with U.S. President Donald Trump described as lukewarm about the country's participation since the conflict began in February.
