Sports Desk — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup just days away, a fresh diplomatic dispute has erupted between Iran and the United States over visa issues.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has alleged that while national team players received visas, a major portion of the team’s support staff and officials were denied entry by the US administration.
On Friday (June 5), US officials confirmed that visas had been granted to all of Iran’s World Cup players and essential support staff. However, the clearance came with a stern warning.
The US administration explicitly stated that it would not allow anyone to abuse the process to enter the United States as “terrorists under false identities.”
Iran reacted sharply to the American statement. In an official communique, the Iranian Embassy in Turkey accused the United States of “politically biased interference in sports.” They claimed that visas for many management personnel, executive officials, and technical advisors were intentionally rejected.
According to Iranian state television, 14 team officials and staff members were denied US visas despite applying. Among those rejected are FFIRI General Secretary Hedayat Mombaini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi. It remains unclear whether Federation President Mehdi Taj has secured a visa.
Before joining the football federation, Taj was affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The US Secretary of State previously declared that no individuals associated with the IRGC would be permitted entry into the United States.
Amidst the visa complications, the Iranian football team concluded its training camp in Turkey and departed for Mexico, where they will establish their official World Cup base camp.
The Iranian Ambassador to Mexico revealed that under the strict conditions imposed by the US visas, Iranian players will only be allowed to enter the United States on match days and must depart the country immediately after the game concludes.
Iran has condemned the stringent US policy, labeling it an “attempt to conceal the truth.” In a statement, Iranian authorities stated, “You have taken deliberate and discriminatory behavior against the Iranian football team to the highest level.”
Expressing deep concern over the unprecedented situation, Iranian diplomatic officials have called for an emergency intervention and investigation by FIFA.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to kick off on June 11. Iran will begin its World Cup campaign on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. Competing in Group B, they are also scheduled to face Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle.