The United States has granted visas to Iran’s national football team for the FIFA World Cup 2026, allowing the team to play its scheduled matches in America. Earlier, there had been uncertainty about Iran’s participation due to ongoing tensions involving Israel and the United States. However, with the visa approval now in place, FIFA’s concerns have eased. Because of delays and complications in the visa process, Iran had earlier shifted its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, which borders California.
According to two American officials cited by the Associated Press, members of Iran’s World Cup squad have received their US visas. This development will enable them to travel from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States ahead of their first two matches scheduled near Los Angeles later this month.
One official confirmed that visas for all Iranian players have been approved and the processing is ongoing. Another official added that visas have also been issued for coaches, trainers, and certain support staff. US authorities did not disclose whether any Iranian applicants were denied entry. It was also stated that the Iranian delegation will soon receive their passports for travel.
Before relocating to Tijuana, Iran’s team held a World Cup training camp in Antalya, Türkiye. The Iranian Football Federation confirmed that it had already obtained visas from the Mexican Embassy in Ankara. US Ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, commended the US Embassy in Ankara for initiating the visa process for the Iranian team. “Sports transcend boundaries, and we look forward to welcoming athletes and fans from across the globe,” Barrack wrote in a social media post on Friday.
Iran will begin its World Cup campaign in Inglewood, California, playing its first match against New Zealand on June 15, followed by a clash with Belgium six days later. The team will then move to Seattle for their third group match against Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, they could meet in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
