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US grants visas to Iranian football squad ahead of World Cup
American officials confirmed on Saturday that Iran's national football team has received entry permits for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, just days before its opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
Tight timeline for tournament debut
The approval arrives ten days before Iran's first game on 15 June, part of the expanded 2026 tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico. The visas cover players and essential support personnel, according to a statement from US authorities.
Security warnings accompany approval
Officials stressed that the decision does not signal a relaxation of vetting procedures. "We will not permit the Iranian delegation to exploit this process to smuggle terrorists into the country under false identities," they stated.
The US State Department, represented by Secretary Marco Rubio, earlier ruled that no members connected to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be allowed to travel with the team. Several Iranian players have completed mandatory military service with the group.
Last-minute logistical hurdles
Iran's football federation has not yet responded publicly to the visa clearance. Reports from Iranian media on Friday indicated that some technical and administrative staff still lacked entry permits, prompting the team to relocate its pre-tournament training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico in late May.
Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's football federation, attributed the move to "visa complications."
Historic context for World Cup hosts
The 2026 tournament marks the first time a host nation will welcome a team from a country with which it has no formal diplomatic relations. The US and Iran have been engaged in a prolonged standoff over regional influence, nuclear policy and sanctions.
"The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued."
US officials
Next steps
The Iranian squad is expected to finalise travel arrangements within the coming days, with its opening fixture scheduled for 15 June at 19:00 local time in Los Angeles.
