US Grants Visas to Iran's National Soccer Team for World Cup

BAGHDAD, Iraq — BAGHDAD — The United States has granted entry visas to Iran's national soccer team for the World Cup, according to a White House official. The official said visas were approved overnight Friday after Iran's ambassador to Mexico had said just a day earlier that the team had not yet obtained them. The Iranian squad's pre-tournament camp was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, then play Belgium in Los Angeles before meeting Egypt in Seattle. The tournament is being held for the first time since 1930 with the host country simultaneously at war with another participating nation. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the United States would not allow individuals linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guard to be part of the Iranian delegation.