Armed security, limited visas as Iran’s Tijuana base readies for LA World Cup opener | OneFootball

Iran have prepared behind tight security in Tijuana ahead of their World Cup opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, 18:00 local, 3:00 in France.

According to L'Équipe, the hotel and Estadio Caliente area have been sealed off, with barriers and armed soldiers. Entry requires FIFA accreditation and a passport, then checks.

Inside, under Guardia Nacional watch, the squad worked on an adjacent pitch. After days of closed sessions, media access began Thursday for 15 minutes and stretched to an hour on Saturday.

Federation president Mehdi Taj thanked Mexican authorities and said FIFA had helped, while noting problems remain and hoping conditions improve. A Tijuana official said they want to open training to supporters, but security still forbids it.

Saturday’s final workout preceded the first border crossing. The team flew Sunday morning to Los Angeles, with limited time in the US and about 10 delegation members still without visas. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi were due for a 00:45 France-time press conference at SoFi Stadium, then a pitch walk and training at LA Galaxy’s ground.

Saturday also brought a Truth Social post by President Donald Trump about an imminent peace memorandum after weeks of talks, a timetable not confirmed by Iranian diplomats.

Iran meet Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June, then play in Seattle on 27 June. A last-32 tie with the United States is possible in Dallas. Past World Cups saw Iran win 2-1 in 1998 and the US win 1-0 in 2022.

Source: L'Équipe