Iran Protests US Visa Delays for National Team Players Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Iran's national football team still awaits US visas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with federation president Mehdi Taj stating no players have received approval despite the tournament starting in June in the US.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's Football Federation, disclosed that Iranian national team players are still waiting for US visas to compete in the 2026 World Cup. Iran, previously one of twelve nations subject to US travel restrictions, continues to experience heightened tension with the United States while peace negotiations remain stalled, affecting numerous sectors. The latest development reveals that not only Iranian fans but the national football team itself has yet to receive any visas.
Thousands of supporters gathered for a send-off event in Tehran on Wednesday before the tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, kicks off on June 11. Currently, the US and Iran are in a state of conflict, though both countries have announced a one-month ceasefire.
"The visa issue remains unresolved. We will have an important meeting with FIFA soon—they must provide certification for our team. We haven't been informed by the other side about who has received visas. So far, not a single visa has been issued," Taj stated.
According to the schedule, Iran will face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, both matches in Los Angeles, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, with the team based in Tucson, Arizona.
The conflict has created uncertainty about Iran's World Cup participation. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated at the recent FIFA Congress in Vancouver that Iran would definitely compete in the United States. Notably, Iran was the only nation without representatives at that congress, as the Iranian Football Federation's delegation, including Taj, was denied entry at the Canadian border. The US cited the cancellation of Taj's visa due to alleged links to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that Iranian players would be welcomed to the tournament, though individuals with IRGC connections may face entry restrictions.
