World Cup 2026: Iran National Team Granted Visas to Enter the US

According to a Vietnam News Agency correspondent in the Middle East, on social media platform X, Mr. Barrack stated that the US Embassy in Ankara has completed visa processing for the Iranian team. The US diplomat emphasized that sports transcend all boundaries and that the US looks forward to welcoming athletes and fans from around the world.

The visa issuance came after weeks of concerns from Iran regarding the possibility of entering the US as the tournament approached. According to earlier sources, some Iranian players and coaching staff members had to undergo additional screening due to their mandatory military service in Iran's armed forces, including units linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The visa issue was also discussed during a meeting in Istanbul in May between FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom and the President of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj. Following the meeting, the Iranian side said all organizational and logistical issues had been resolved.

The Iranian team has been training in the Turkish resort city of Antalya since May 19 in preparation for the World Cup. They will then travel to Spain before moving to their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico.

Initially, the Iranian team planned to stay in the US during the tournament. However, this plan was adjusted after tensions between Tehran and Washington escalated due to the conflict that erupted in late February.

According to the schedule, Iran will play their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 16. They will then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles (USA), before meeting Egypt in Seattle in their final Group G match.