Iran have accused the United States of blocking visas for several key members of their football team’s support staff ahead of the 2026 World Cup, despite American officials confirming that all players had received permission to travel.
US authorities said on Friday that visas had been granted to every player and the support staff considered necessary for the tournament. However, they also warned that Iran would not be allowed to use the process to bring people into the country under false claims.
Iran’s embassy in Turkey rejected that explanation. It accused the US of political interference in sport and said many members of the team’s management, executive group and technical staff had been denied visas.
State linked media in Iran reported that 15 officials were refused entry. The list reportedly includes the president of the football federation, his deputy and a media director.
The Iranian squad left its training camp in Turkey on Saturday and travelled to Mexico, where the team will stay during the World Cup. The players are expected to arrive early on Sunday after a long journey.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico said the team would have to enter and leave the United States on the same day as each match under the conditions of their visas.
Iranian officials described the US statement as an attempt to hide the issue. They said the treatment of the national team had become openly discriminatory and called on football’s world governing body, FIFA, to step in.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Iran secured qualification in March 2025 by finishing top of their group.
The tournament will mark the first time a World Cup host nation welcomes a team from a country with which it is at war. Iran moved its training base from Tucson to Mexico in late May.
The US Department of Homeland Security did not confirm whether extra restrictions would apply to Iranian players or officials during the competition. The agency said it remained focused on protecting fans and ensuring security across all host cities.
Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards would not be allowed to join Iran’s World Cup delegation.
Iran will begin their campaign against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Egypt in Seattle in their remaining group stage matches.
