As the world’s attention turns to the FIFA World Cup, fans are preparing for packed stadiums, colorful celebrations and the shared excitement that comes with international football. For Iran’s national team, however, the journey to the tournament has involved far more than preparing for matches. Behind the scenes, the United States has complicated travel, logistics and fan access for Iranians, illustrating how politics can shape even some of the world’s biggest sporting events.

The challenges stem from a 60-day ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, which paused a devastating four-month regional conflict, but left many diplomatic disputes unresolved. Although the agreement temporarily halted direct fighting, ongoing negotiations and heightened security measures continued to affect international travel and cross-border cooperation.

These diplomatic tensions carried over to the FIFA World Cup, hosted across North America. While Iran’s 31-player national team was ultimately cleared to enter the region for the tournament, visa restrictions and additional security screenings complicated travel for Iranian officials, support staff and delegates.

As a result, the Iranian Football Federation established its operational base in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in the United States. Officials said the decision provided greater logistical certainty and avoided potential administrative complications. From Mexico, players and staff traveled to the United States only when necessary for matches and FIFA obligations. Although the arrangement required additional travel, using Tijuana as a base allowed the team to focus on the tournament while minimizing uncertainty.

Fan access also became a point of contention. Iranian football officials criticized the United States for revoking the standard allocation of approximately 8 percent of match tickets typically reserved for supporters of participating nations. They argued the decision reduced opportunities for Iranian fans to attend matches together and raised concerns about safety and organization. Supporters’ groups said the restrictions would diminish the vibrant atmosphere that traveling Iranian fans traditionally bring to international tournaments.