Iran checked into the World Cup's Sin City to dodge Donald Trump. Two weeks before the tournament kicked off, the Middle Eastern nation switched its base from Tucson, Arizona, to the vice den of Tijuana across the Mexican border.
Visa Denials Prompt Move
The change came after nine members of Iran's backroom staff were refused US entry visas for the tournament due to their service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated a terrorist organization in the United States.
The team flew to Los Angeles, a country it is officially at war with, surrounded by paramilitary security for its opening match against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 draw. Players have permission to travel to the US for games only if they return the same day, while banned officials remain in Mexico.
Coach Criticizes US Authorities
Coach Amir Ghalenoei welcomed fan support but criticized those managing the team's movements, believed to be a reference to US authorities. "We've spent so much time commuting in the air," he said. "They didn't even give us time to recover after the game today. They said we had to leave immediately."
He added: "We do not know why they are returning us. I think it's very strange. It seems like others are doing the planning for us, decisions are made elsewhere. Our team is the most oppressed one in the whole World Cup."
Training in a Vice City
Iran was so desperate to avoid staying in co-host America that the strict Islamist nation agreed to move its base to a city teeming with bars, gambling emporiums, and brothels—all outlawed to Muslims. A giant casino advert sits outside Iran's training HQ at Club Tijuana's stadium, just five miles from the US border.
Prostitution is legal in the notorious Zona Norte red light district, packed with bars, clubs, and sex shops. Around 30,000 of Tijuana's 2.4 million residents are sex workers. The city's Hong Kong Gentlemen's Club runs its own World Cup with pole dancers in rival team colors.
Fans Travel from Iran
Two Iranian fans flew 7,600 miles to Mexico to support the team but cannot get US visas to watch matches. One said: "It was our dream to see our team at the World Cup. Watching them train has been so special."
Translator Camila Enriquez, 25, said: "It's a very difficult situation. It's crazy they have come all this way and cannot watch the match. But they were so excited just to see the team."
Iranian Official Thanks Mexico
Iran football federation president Mehdi Taj, one of those banned from the US, thanked Mexico for hosting the team. Wearing a 'Minab 168' badge marking schoolchildren killed in an airstrike, he told the Daily Star: "Our team is here to compete in football. The best possible preparations have been made. We welcome any agreement that serves our national interests and contributes to peace. But the national team's focus is entirely on the matches ahead."
