Iran secures U.S. visas ahead of World Cup opener

Yesterday 08:14

By: Dakir Madiha

Iran secures U.S. visas ahead of World Cup opener

Iran's national football team has received visas to enter the United States, ending weeks of uncertainty just 10 days before its opening World Cup match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

The visas were issued overnight after Iranian officials confirmed that players had still not received travel authorization as of Thursday evening. The decision resolves a dispute that forced Iran to move its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and raised concerns about whether the team would be able to participate in the tournament.

The visa issue dates back to late 2025 when Iran boycotted the World Cup draw in Washington after members of its delegation were denied entry into the United States. U.S. authorities later reversed that decision to allow participation in the December event, but tensions continued in the months that followed.

Iran's squad began preparations in southern Turkey in mid-May and submitted visa applications through the U.S. Embassy in Ankara. Football federation president Mehdi Taj demanded multiple-entry visas for players and warned that alternative measures could be considered if the matter remained unresolved. Expectations had grown that the documents would be delivered during the first week of June.

The dispute unfolded against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Washington and Tehran, making this World Cup the first since the tournament's creation in 1930 in which a host nation is required to welcome a country with which it is engaged in active conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also stated that individuals linked to Iran's Revolutionary Guards would not be permitted to join the country's World Cup delegation, a condition that could affect some players who completed mandatory military service within the organization.

Despite receiving visas, Iran has decided to maintain its training camp in Tijuana rather than relocate to the United States. The team is expected to arrive in the Mexican border city before traveling to Los Angeles for its opening match. Iranian supporters have continued to face significant challenges obtaining entry permits, including high application fees and elevated rejection rates, but the national team is now set to take part in the tournament as scheduled.