Tehran: Iranian national football team players have been granted visas to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a US official, easing uncertainty over the team’s participation less than two weeks before its opening match.
The approval comes after weeks of concerns surrounding visa processing amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Iranian players are scheduled to compete in Group G matches in the US, with their first fixture set to take place in Los Angeles on June 15.
However, several members of Iran’s administrative delegation have not yet received visas. Iranian media reported that officials, including Executive Director Mehdi Kharati and Media Director Mohsen Motamedkia, remain in Mexico while efforts continue to secure their travel documents.
Due to the visa uncertainty, Iran shifted its World Cup base camp from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, where the squad will stay and travel to the United States for matches. Iranian football authorities have criticised the delays and indicated they may raise the issue with FIFA.
US officials said visas had been issued for players, coaches and essential support staff, while maintaining that individuals linked to designated organisations could face additional scrutiny under existing immigration rules.
The development clears a major obstacle for Iran’s participation in the World Cup, although visa processing for some non-playing personnel remains unresolved.