- The visa approval follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding Iran’s preparations for the tournament
- only individuals directly connected to the team’s participation would be allowed entry under the tournament arrangements
- Some members of the Iranian squad are reported to have completed compulsory military service with the organisation
The United States has approved entry visas for members of Iran’s national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, clearing the way for the squad to participate in the tournament despite ongoing tensions between the two countries.
Eko Hot Blog reports that US officials confirmed that the necessary travel documents had been issued to players and essential support personnel ahead of Iran’s opening match against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15.
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While confirming the approvals, American authorities stressed that the visa process would be strictly monitored to ensure compliance with security requirements. Officials stated that only individuals directly connected to the team’s participation would be allowed entry under the tournament arrangements.
Iran’s football federation had not issued an official response to the development as of the time of reporting.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The competition is expected to attract teams and supporters from around the world.
The visa approval follows weeks of uncertainty surrounding Iran’s preparations for the tournament. Concerns over travel documentation had earlier prompted the team to relocate its training camp from Arizona in the United States to Mexico.
President of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, previously linked the relocation to difficulties experienced in securing visas for members of the delegation.
Reports from Iranian media in recent days suggested that several administrative and technical staff members were still awaiting clearance to enter the United States.
The issue also attracted attention in Washington, where US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that individuals with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted to enter the country as part of the football delegation.
Some members of the Iranian squad are reported to have completed compulsory military service with the organisation, a factor that has added to scrutiny surrounding the visa process.
Despite the diplomatic sensitivities, the approvals have removed a major obstacle to Iran’s participation in the World Cup, allowing the team to focus on preparations for the global football showpiece.
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