PHOTO: AFP

Iran’s World Cup squad arrived in the Mexican border city of Tijuana on Sunday, days before the tournament kicks off, with a dispute over US visas continuing to cast a shadow over their campaign. While players received the documents needed to enter the United States -- which is in open military conflict with Tehran -- for their Group G matches, Iranian officials said several members of the team’s support staff were denied visas. The issue has prompted complaints from Iran’s football federation and embassy, which accused Washington of discriminatory treatment. Based in Mexico throughout the tournament, Iran will travel to the United States for matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt amid heightened diplomatic tensions between the two countries.