The United States has granted entry visas to Iran’s national football team, allowing the squad to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing diplomatic tensions between both countries.
The approval comes less than two weeks before Iran’s opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, ending uncertainty over the team’s travel arrangements.
According to reports, US officials confirmed that all necessary visas for Iranian players and essential members of the team’s support staff have now been processed and issued.
Officials stated that the move ensures Iran can fulfill its World Cup obligations, but emphasized that strict security and screening procedures will remain in effect throughout the competition.
US authorities also noted that the visa approval process would not be exploited to allow individuals posing security concerns into the country under the guise of participating in the tournament.
Iran’s Football Federation has not yet released an official statement regarding the visa approvals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which kicks off on June 11, will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, making it the first World Cup to be staged across three nations.
The tournament will take place against the backdrop of continuing political tensions between Washington and Tehran, making Iran’s participation one of the most closely watched diplomatic aspects of the competition.
Earlier, Iran had shifted its pre-World Cup training base from Arizona in the United States to Mexico due to concerns surrounding visa delays and travel logistics.
Reports in recent weeks indicated that some members of Iran’s coaching and administrative teams had yet to receive travel authorization, raising fears about the country’s preparations for the tournament.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be eligible for entry into the United States.
Several members of Iran’s squad are believed to have completed compulsory military service associated with the organization, which had fueled concerns over possible visa restrictions.
With the travel documents now approved, Iran is expected to proceed with its final preparations ahead of the World Cup.
