Authorities are investigating how a corpse ended up outside a World Cup training centre in the border city of Tijuana, Mexico.
A body was found in a parking lot across from Estadio Caliente stadium, where Iran’s national team has been training for its upcoming World Cup match against New Zealand.
The body was inside a bag in a grey car and was found after police opened the vehicle to investigate a pungent smell coming from the boot.
The identity of the victim hasn’t been released, but police are actively probing the discovery.
Iran are among more than a quarter of the countries taking part in the World Cup that are affected by travel bans to the US and have higher visa rejection rates.
Members of Iran’s football team were forced to land in Mexico. All three of Iran’s group games are in the US, but players and staff will have to fly in and out of the country on the day of each match.
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Iran said 15 officials and other staff were denied visas flat out, which they have branded political interference.
A US administration official said: ‘We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretences.’
And fans are facing a tough time getting into the country, too. The visa recommended for spectators costs around £137 and involves an in-person interview.
Visitors must demonstrate their ‘intent to depart the United States after your trip, and/or your ability to pay all costs of the trip’.
A few countries were exempt from this price, including Algeria, Cape Verde, the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia. But the prices and other restrictions have still made it difficult for fans to attend.
The main concern for the Department of Homeland Security appears to be football fans who may try to overstay their visa after the tournament ends.
The DHS found that more than 538,000 ‘overstay events’ were documented between 2023 and 2024.
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