‘We are upset’: Iran players hit out at US visa delay after World Cup arrival in Mexico

TL;DR

Iran's World Cup squad landed in Tijuana, Mexico, amid a diplomatic row over US visas for some team support staff.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei expressed disappointment with the ethical and human considerations not being respected, leading to a delayed arrival.
The team captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, conveyed his grievance to FIFA about the late visa issuance and mentioned "two imposed wars" in their country.
Fifteen administrative and management staff were reportedly denied visas, which Iran's embassy in Turkey slammed as "deliberate and discriminatory treatment."
Iran's ambassador to Mexico stated that visa conditions require the team to enter and leave US soil on the same day as their matches.
A US administration official did not directly address the visa refusals but stated security concerns.
Iran's football federation described the visa situation as "political interference in sport in its worst form."
Iran's group-stage games are scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.
This World Cup marks the first time a host nation will host the team of a country it is at war with.

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