Iran 2026 World Cup squad heads to Mexico as US visa dispute erupts

Iran has lashed out at the United States for failing to provide visas to some of its World Cup squad support staff as players leave Turkey for Mexico. Players received their visas late Friday, but Iran's embassy in Turkey said a "large" number of key staff, including federation chief Mehdi Taj and secretary-general Hedayat Mombini, were denied visas. Staff without visas will travel to Mexico with the team while visa efforts continue. Iran accuses the US of discriminatory treatment and violating international sports laws.