Tijuana: The Iranian national football team has arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, near the US border, in preparation for the 2026 World Cup. The team landed via an overnight flight from Turkey, where they had been training for the past three weeks. The US authorities granted visas to all the Iranian players on Friday, just 10 days before their first match, although some Iranian staff members were denied visas to enter the United States.
According to Thai News Agency, Iran is scheduled to play its first two matches in Group G near Los Angeles, USA, against New Zealand on June 15th and Belgium on June 21st. They will then play their final group stage match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26th. Iranian national team head coach Amir Galenoei expressed concerns about the timing of their arrival, noting that the players should have arrived last week to better adjust to the 12-hour time difference. Iran and the United States could potentially meet in the Round of 32 if both nations finish second in their respective groups.
In related news, Brazilian right-back Wesley Franca will miss the 2026 World Cup due to a left thigh injury sustained during Brazil's 2-1 friendly win over Egypt in Cleveland, Ohio. The Brazilian Football Confederation announced that Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazilian national team, has called up Ederson, the Atalanta midfielder, who is set to join Manchester United, as Wesley's replacement.
Meanwhile, the Scotland national team has arrived in North Carolina with high spirits following their impressive 4-0 victory over Bolivia in a friendly match in New Jersey. Team captain Andrew Robertson expressed excitement about reaching their main camp, emphasizing the importance of the week ahead to prepare for their first match against Haiti on June 13th. Scotland has been drawn into Group C, and will also face Morocco and Brazil in the group stage.
Football enthusiasts gathered in Miami Beach for a World Cup sticker exchange event organized by the Miami Beach City Committee. The event attracted collectors eager to complete their "Panini" sticker albums before the World Cup kicks off on June 11th.