2026 FIFA World Cup: Iran football chief warns of 'other decisions' if US visas not issued
Iran's football federation president said Friday that the team will be forced to consider alternative measures if US visas are not issued for players and coaching staff in time for the 2026 World Cup.
Speaking to the national broadcaster, Mehdi Taj said that passports have been submitted to the US Embassy in Ankara, with federation officials actively following up on the process. "We have informed FIFA that if visas for the players and technical staff are not issued, we will be compelled to take other decisions," he said.
Taj added that the matter is being pursued seriously and that clarity is expected "today or at latest tomorrow."
FIFA has also been formally notified through official channels, he said, describing the federation's communication with the governing body as ongoing.
The federation is seeking multiple-entry visas to avoid repeated applications each time players cross in and out of the United States. Taj warned that single-entry arrangements could disrupt the team's preparation schedule. "Players should not be forced to reapply every time they enter and exit," he said. "That would interfere with the team's readiness."
He added that the federation's broader goal is to keep the national team focused exclusively on football. "There should be no distractions from administrative issues or repetitive travel procedures," he said.
Despite the uncertainty, Taj expressed measured optimism. "Experience shows that last-minute complications can arise," he acknowledged, "but our assessment is that visas will ultimately be issued."
The US visa question is the last unresolved piece of Iran's travel arrangements. Mexico and Canada visas have already been processed without difficulty, Taj confirmed.
Earlier this week, Iran's ambassador to Turkey announced that Mexican visas had been issued within 48 hours and delivered to the delegation in Antalya, where the team has been training since last month. Mexico agreed to waive in-person embassy appearances and fingerprinting requirements on an exceptional basis.
The Iranian squad is scheduled to depart for Tijuana on Saturday, where they will hold their training camp. The team’s training base, originally set for Tucson, Arizona, was moved to Tijuana, Mexico, at the request of Iran’s football federation due to security concerns.
All three of Iran's group stage matches — against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt — are set to be played on US soil.
Iranian Greco-Roman wrestlers clinch 2 golds on day one of UWW Ranking Series in Mongolia
Mexico issues visas for Iran's national football team ahead of 2026 World Cup
Amir Hossein Zare, Zahra Kiani named Iran's best male, female sports personalities of the year
France opens 'war crime' probe over Israel ill-treatment of Gaza flotilla activists
Iran demands immediate release of 50% of frozen assets upon any understanding with US
Iran demands ‘zero-tolerance’ on nuclear strikes, cites 17 US-Israeli attacks against its facilities
US-Israeli war against Iran pushing millions into hunger: WFP
Lebanon's Berri blasts US-mediated ceasefire deal as 'rigged' in favor of Israel
Five Azerbaijanis killed in drone attack on cargo ships in Sea of Azov: Ministry
Iranian Greco-Roman team adds gold, silver at 2026 UWW Ulaanbaatar Open
CNN claims Israel used Azerbaijani soil for covert operations against Iran; Baku denies
PressTV NEWSLETTER
now
This makes it easy to access the Press TV website
