Iran’s national team touched down in the United States on Monday, hours after a peace deal was signed with Donald Trump, but 11 members of their World Cup delegation were left behind – denied visas by American authorities.
The team flew in from their base camp in Mexico for their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, a fixture that kicks off at 2am UK time. Under strict travel curfews, Iran will fly out again the same day. The political backdrop has been fierce: war in the Middle East, and a peace deal signed on Sunday between Trump and Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously said players would be allowed entry, but individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face restrictions. Iran accused the US of denying visas to “integral” backroom staff.
“Iran arrive in US amid visa denials as Spain face injury concerns before World Cup opener.”
Attention also turns to tournament favourites Spain, who begin their campaign against World Cup debutants Cape Verde. La Roja suffered a minor injury scare before the tournament, with Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams both picking up knocks. Spain confirmed both will be available for the match but neither will start.
Elsewhere, Belgium face Egypt at 8pm UK time, but Manchester City winger Jeremy Doku could be forced to choose between the World Cup and the birth of his first child. Doku, 24, told reporters his wife Shireen is due in the second week of July, when the quarterfinals take place. “It depends on when it happens, but it’s my first child, so I would definitely want to be there,” he said. “If you ask me what I want, my answer is that nobody wants to miss the birth of their first child.”
Saudi Arabia and Uruguay will also kick off their campaigns at 11pm UK time.