Iran raises alarm over delayed US visas ahead Of 2026 World Cup

Iran’s football federation has said that none of its players or officials has received United States visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup yet.

The head of the federation, Mehdi Taj, said Iran would hold an important meeting with FIFA within the next few days to get clear answers and guarantees over the visa issue.

According to him, no information has been given on who has been approved for visas so far.

Taj explained that Iranian players are expected to travel to Ankara, Turkey, for fingerprinting as part of the visa application process. However, efforts are being made to allow the process to happen in Antalya instead, to avoid extra travel.

Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic relations since 1980 after the hostage crisis that followed the Iranian Revolution.

The visa concerns are also coming after months of tension involving Iran, the United States and Israel, although a ceasefire has reportedly been in place since April.

Iran recently held a farewell ceremony for its national team ahead of the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The Iranian national team, known as Team Melli, is expected to camp in Tucson, Arizona, during the World Cup.

Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt in Group G.