Iran World Cup squad granted US visas ahead of Los Angeles opener: Report

Iran’s national football team has reportedly been granted visas to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid uncertainties over the team’s participation in the last weeks.

A White House official told Reuters on Friday that the visas were approved just 10 days before Iran’s opening Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

The decision came after repeated warnings from Iranian football officials that delays could disrupt the team’s preparations.

Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj had earlier said the federation was considering “alternative measures” if visas for players and coaching staff were not issued in time.

Taj said on Friday that passports had been submitted through the US Embassy in Ankara and that FIFA had been formally informed of the issue. He also stressed the need for multiple-entry visas to avoid repeated applications during the tournament.

The White House official did not disclose details of the visas and the Iranian Football Federation has not reacted to this report.

The visa issue had become the final unresolved part of Iran’s travel plans. Mexican and Canadian visas had already been issued.

Iran moved its World Cup training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, citing security concerns and uncertainty over US entry permits. The team is expected to travel from Tijuana to the United States for matches.

Iran opens its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 at Los Angeles Stadium. Team Melli will then face Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 before meeting Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

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