Published on
Iran’s football players have been granted US visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, although several senior officials and support staff are still awaiting clearance less than two weeks before the team’s opening match.
The visa delays have complicated preparations for Iran’s tournament campaign and prompted concerns over the delegation’s ability to travel together for the competition, which is being co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
A White House official confirmed that Iranian players had received visas to enter the US ahead of their first Group G fixture against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The confirmation came after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, said earlier this week that the players had not yet received the necessary documents.
Iranian media reported on Saturday that some members of the delegation remain without visas. According to Iran’s Tasnim news agency, those still awaiting approval include Football Federation Secretary General Hedayat Mombini, Executive Director Mehdi Kharati and Media Director Mohsen Motamedkia.
Tasnim reported that the officials would travel to Mexico with the team while efforts continue to secure their visas before matches in the United States.
The issue comes against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran following the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran earlier this year. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio repeated to lawmakers this week that individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted to join the country’s World Cup delegation.
Iran has also shifted its training base from Arizona to Tijuana in neighbouring Mexico.
After facing New Zealand, Iran will also play Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.
Additional sources • AFP, AP