Iran’s national football team arrived in Mexico to a heavily guarded welcome on Sunday morning, marking a bold start to their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign despite a diplomatic visa row that deprived the squad of several top executives.
Dozens of fans were present as the team’s bus departed the airport shortly after arrival at around 5:00 am, including Sadegh Galavi, a local mechanic who said he was determined to show support for “Team Melli.”
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“I’m very excited to see them,” Galavi said. “My national team is coming to my city, and being here is a small thing I can do just to welcome them.”
The early-morning reception came against the backdrop of political tension surrounding Iran’s participation in the tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
