US officials have confirmed the issuance of visas to Iranian players and supporting staff for entry into the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Due to delays in the visa process, the Iranian team relocated its training camp from Arizona to Mexico towards the end of May. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that individuals affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted to join Iran’s delegation. Kathmandu, May 23.
US authorities have announced that visas required for Iranian players and supporting staff to enter the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been granted. Iran is scheduled to play its opening match of the tournament against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The visa approval was granted only ten days prior to the match. According to US officials, visas have been issued solely to the essential players and staff, emphasizing that the process will not be exploited to admit terrorists under false pretenses.
The Iranian Football Federation has not yet made any public statements regarding the visa approvals. The tournament, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will commence on June 11. This edition marks the first time that a host nation will welcome a team from a country engaged in active conflict. Because of visa delays, Iran shifted its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico at the end of May. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, cited the visa complications as the reason for this decision. According to Iranian news agency Fars, as of last Friday, some technical and administrative members of the team had not yet received US visas. Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that anyone associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be barred from joining Iran’s delegation. Some Iranian players have reportedly completed their mandatory military service within this military organization.
