Iran's World Cup squad landed in Mexico on Sunday under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row, after the United States -- which is in open military conflict with Tehran -- refused to issue visas for some team support staff.The dispute erupted just days before Thursday's kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.After departing from their training camp in Turkey a day earlier, the Iran team landed early Sunday in the Mexican border city of Tijuana, AFP witnessed.

Squad's visas for the US haven't been issued, with Marco Rubio saying IRGC-linked members won't be allowed to 'embed'.

Iran's World Cup team receives U.S. visas for matches in California and Seattle amidst political tensions and previous visa challenges.