The Iranian soccer team has officially received US visas to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending weeks of uncertainty and diplomatic complications just 10 days before its opening match.The development comes after concerns that delays in visa processing could jeopardize Team Melli’s participation amid heightened tensions between the US and Iran. A White House official confirmed overnight that the visas had been finalized and issued, clearing the way for the Iranian delegation to travel to the tournament. The development follows public remarks by Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Fasfat, who revealed that the squad had not yet received the necessary travel documents. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) also reportedly requested FIFA to intervene, urging world football’s governing body to ensure that the host nation fulfills its obligations to provide equal access to all eligible teams.This situation has created a historic first for the FIFA World Cup. Since the tournament’s inception in 1930, no host country has welcomed the national team of a country with which it is engaged in an active military conflict.
Players and staff approved.
According to US officials familiar with the matter, visas have been approved for all of Iran’s national team players and the process of obtaining them is underway. Coaches, trainers and several support staff members have also been issued visas. While officials confirmed that players and essential staff had been cleared, it was unclear whether all team-affiliated applicants were approved. An official indicated that some individuals may be denied visas after applying under “false pretexts”.“The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the visa process publicly. Iran is now awaiting the return of the passports, which could arrive by Friday or Saturday, allowing the team to finalize travel plans.
The base camp was moved to Mexico.
The visa delay forced Iran to rethink its logistical arrangements for the tournament. Originally planning to set up base camp in Arizona, the team opted against spending extended time in the United States.Instead, Iran received fast-track visa approval from Mexican authorities and will set up its World Cup headquarters in Tijuana. The squad has trained in Antalya, Turkey and is expected to travel directly to Mexico before entering the United States for the matches. The Iranian Football Federation confirmed that the team had already received Mexican visas through the country’s embassy in Ankara.US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrick appeared to confirm the visa approval in a post on X on Friday.“We are proud of our wonderful team at the US Embassy in Ankara for their work processing visas for the Iran national soccer team on their way to the FIFA World Cup in the US,” he said.“Sports transcend borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world.”
Political background
The visa approval comes months after US President Donald Trump publicly questioned whether Iran should participate in the tournament. In March, Trump suggested that it was not “appropriate” for Iran to compete and raised concerns about the safety of Iranian athletes. Iran’s national team reacted strongly, saying “no one can exclude” the country from participating in football’s biggest event.Despite the political rhetoric, FIFA regulations require host nations to facilitate the entry of qualified teams, officials and accredited officials.
Iran World Cup Schedule
Iran has been placed in Group G, with all three group stage matches scheduled to be played on American soil.June 15: Iran v New Zealand – Los Angeles Stadium, InglewoodJune 21: Iran vs Belgium – Los Angeles Stadium, InglewoodJune 26: Iran vs Egypt – Seattle Stadium, Seattle
