The Iran national football team has raised concerns over unresolved visa issues ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with officials stating that no visas have yet been issued for the squad to enter the United States.
According to Iran’s football federation chief, Mehdi Taj, the matter remains unsettled, prompting urgent discussions with FIFA, football’s global governing body.
“Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, we will have a decisive meeting with FIFA. They must give us guarantees because the visa issue has still not been resolved,” IRNA quoted Taj as saying.
He added that there has been no confirmation regarding which players, if any, have been granted entry permits for the tournament.
“We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet,” he said.
Taj explained that players are expected to travel to Ankara for fingerprinting as part of the visa application process, although the federation is attempting to relocate the procedure to Antalya to avoid logistical complications.
Iran’s participation comes amid long-standing diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States, which have not maintained formal relations since 1980 following the US embassy hostage crisis.
The geopolitical backdrop has added sensitivity to Iran’s World Cup preparations, especially given that the 2026 tournament will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Despite these concerns, Iran recently held a send-off ceremony for the national team, also known as Team Melli, as it prepares for the global competition.
The team is expected to be based in Tucson during the tournament.
Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by group-stage matches against Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team in Group G.
Iranian officials say they are seeking urgent guarantees from FIFA to ensure that administrative and diplomatic hurdles do not disrupt the team’s participation in the tournament.
