Ehsan Hajsafi, a defender for the Iranian national team, has expressed his frustration towards FIFA after the team landed in Mexico on Sunday, with several individuals in their entourage still missing U.S. visas ahead of three upcoming World Cup matches in the United States.
The Iranian team’s participation in the World Cup—hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada—has been hindered by complications related to the war in Iran. As a result of visa processing delays, the team shifted its training location from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, close to the California border.
“Firstly, we’re relieved and happy that the team has finally arrived,” Hajsafi stated. “Thank God, the team’s conditions are very good.”
“Despite everything that has transpired, visas were eventually granted. However, I do have a grievance with FIFA. Why did it take so long? From what I know, only players and a select few coaching staff received visas.”
As of now, some members of Iran’s delegation are still waiting on U.S. visas before their matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, including Hedayat Mombeini, the secretary-general of the Iranian Football Federation, and its vice president, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi.
“Regrettably, some essential coaching staff members, who have significant roles within the team, have not been granted visas,” Hajsafi remarked. “This includes our team manager, executive director, and media director—all of whom are vital to our operations.”
“I would like to appeal to FIFA to rectify this situation so that, God willing, it can be resolved shortly.”
It remains unclear if Hajsafi was specifically referencing head coach Amir Ghalenoei, although reports suggest that the 62-year-old has had his visa approved. He was observed aboard the team bus prior to their departure for Mexico.
Before arriving in Tijuana, the team had been training in Antalya, Turkey. They flew directly to Tijuana via a private jet from the coastal city.
Hajsafi was the first to disembark the plane, which was operated by the German charter airline USC, landing at around 5:05 a.m. He guided the team, dressed in blue blazers over white T-shirts, through a brief security check conducted by Mexican officials before boarding a bus.
As the bus made a short stop at the Tijuana airport entrance, approximately twenty Iranian fans were seen waving flags in support.
Iran’s first two World Cup matches are set to take place in Inglewood, California, starting with New Zealand on June 15, followed by a game against Belgium six days later. Subsequently, they will travel to Seattle to compete against Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the U.S. finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
A U.S. official confirmed to ABC News on Friday that all players on the Iranian squad have received their visas. The Associated Press reported that visas were granted to players, coaches, trainers, and some support staff, although a different official indicated that some individuals affiliated with the team had their applications denied for requesting visas “under false pretenses.”
The officials provided information under anonymity due to restrictions on public discussions about the visa matters.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Tuesday that any Iranian delegation members would be closely monitored for connections to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
“We have no issues with the athletes or their support staff, as previously mentioned,” Rubio noted during a hearing. “However, we will not permit individuals with ties to the IRGC or unrelated to athletic matters to be part of their delegation.”
“We will monitor this very closely, and continue to do so.”
Iran finalized its squad on Monday, including 17 players from home-based clubs that have not played since February due to the war.