The Iranian national football team is currently navigating visa complications as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The team departed for Turkey on May 13 for a brief training camp before heading to the U.S. for scheduled matches.
Mehdi Taj, the head of the Iranian Football Federation, announced that no team member has yet received the necessary American visas to participate in the tournament. He stated, “We have a crucial meeting with FIFA tomorrow or the day after. They need to provide us with guarantees, as the visa issue remains unresolved,” according to the Iranian state news agency IRNA.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously assured that Iran will participate in the World Cup, while former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that there would be no obstacles to Iran’s involvement in the event. Despite these assurances, the lack of visas poses a significant hurdle for the team as it prepares for the global competition.
The World Cup is set to feature matches primarily in the United States, including three group-stage games involving Iran. The team’s successful entry into the U.S. is critical not only for their participation but also for their preparation and training ahead of the tournament.
The Iranian national football team is facing visa issues ahead of the 2026 World Cup, which may impact their participation. Despite assurances from FIFA and former U.S. leadership, the team awaits necessary documentation to enter the United States for the tournament.
Source: Radio Free Europe