Iran’s national football team have received visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The approval ends weeks of uncertainty before the tournament begins in North America.
US officials confirmed the decision on Tuesday. The visas cover players and essential support staff travelling with the squad.
Iran will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June. The tournament starts on 11 June and will take place across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued,” US officials said.
Officials also issued a warning alongside the approval. They said the United States would not allow anyone to misuse the process to enter the country under false pretences.
The visa issue had disrupted Iran’s preparations. In late May, football federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that the team moved its training camp from Arizona to Mexico because of delays in the process.
Reports of further problems continued this week. Iranian news agency Fars reported that some members of the technical and administrative staff still had not received their travel documents.
The situation drew attention beyond football. The 2026 World Cup will become the first edition of the tournament in which a host nation welcomes a team from a country involved in direct military conflict with it.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the issue in Washington. He told lawmakers that Iran’s delegation would not include individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Several players in the current Iran squad have completed mandatory military service connected to the organisation. However, no player has faced restrictions related to the World Cup squad.
Iran’s football federation has not yet commented publicly on the visa approval.
The decision removes a major obstacle before the tournament. Iran can now focus fully on preparations for their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.
