Iran arrive in US amid visa row as Spain face injury doubts before World Cup opener

<p>Iran's national team has touched down in the United States for their first match of the 2026 World Cup, hours after Donald Trump and Tehran signed a peace deal to end the conflict in the Middle East — but 11 members of the delegation have been barred from entering the country. The team flew in from their base camp in Mexico, a logistical arrangement forced by strict travel curfews imposed on the squad, and will fly out again on the same day as their match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.</p><p>Tehran accused Washington of denying visas to "integral" backroom staff, though Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously signalled that players would be permitted entry while individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps could face restrictions. The peace deal, signed on Sunday, brought a dramatic end to the war that had hung over Iran's World Cup preparations.</p><p>Elsewhere, tournament favourites Spain are readying for their Group H opener against Cape Verde, one of the smallest nations in the competition. But manager Luis de la Fuente must navigate an injury scare: Barcelona's Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams have both been struggling with hamstring issues in the build-up. Spain confirmed both will be available for the match but neither will start.</p><p>Later on Monday, Belgium face Egypt and Saudi Arabia take on Uruguay. The early hours had already produced a statement result: Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1, guided by former Chelsea and West Ham head coach Graham Potter. "You never know how things are going to go," Potter said. "We were optimistic because we felt confident in the work. But until the game is played you don't know for sure. That's the beauty of sport. We are delighted with how we performed tonight and it's a great start for us." Liverpool's Alexander Isak and Arsenal's Viktor Gyökeres were among the scorers as Sweden announced themselves on the global stage.</p><p>Iran's match against New Zealand kicks off at 2am UK time, with the world watching to see whether the political turmoil off the pitch spills onto it.</p>