Iranian national team winger Mehdi Torabi’s United States visa has expired, leaving his participation in the ongoing World Cup campaign uncertain, according to state media reports on Tuesday.
The development comes amid heightened diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington, which have already complicated travel arrangements for Iran’s national football delegation during the tournament.
State news agency IRNA reported that Torabi was issued a single-entry visa, unlike other members of the Iranian squad who received multiple-entry visas to facilitate movement during the competition.
Following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, IRNA confirmed that Torabi’s visa had lapsed after the team’s visit to the United States.
“Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” the agency reported.
It added that the Iranian Football Federation has initiated efforts to secure a new visa to allow the player to rejoin the squad for upcoming matches.
IRNA did not confirm whether Torabi successfully departed the United States, but noted that all other members of the national team had boarded a flight leaving the country for Mexico after the match.
The United States and tournament organisers have not issued any official response to the situation.
The visa issue is the latest in a series of administrative complications affecting Iran’s delegation, with previous reports indicating that about 15 members of the team were denied US visas amid broader geopolitical tensions.
IRNA also reported separate airport difficulties involving Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and a team staff member following the match in Los Angeles.
Despite the disruptions, Iran remains focused on its group-stage fixtures, with upcoming matches against Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle scheduled for later in the tournament.
Officials are continuing efforts to resolve the visa issue to ensure full squad availability for remaining matches.
