Iranian Footballers Secure US Visas Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

A Last-Minute Breakthrough

The Iranian national football team has officially received U.S. visas to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026, ending weeks of uncertainty. The breakthrough comes just 10 days before their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Following concerns over visa processing delays due to heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, a White House official confirmed the visas were granted overnight. This occurred shortly after Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, publicly stated that the squad had not yet received their travel documents.

A Historic First for the World Cup

This situation has created a historic milestone for the global tournament. Since the World Cup's inception in 1930, no host nation has ever welcomed a national team from a country with which it is engaged in an active military conflict. While US officials confirmed that all players and essential personnel have been cleared, the semi-official Fars news agency reported that some members of the team's technical and administrative staff have not yet been issued visas.

The Mexican Base Camp Shift

The visa delays and geopolitical tensions forced Iran to significantly revise their logistical arrangements. Originally planning to establish a base camp in Arizona, the team opted instead to secure expedited visas from Mexican authorities and will headquarter in Tijuana. After training in Antalya, Turkey, the squad is scheduled to fly to Spain before arriving at their base camp in Mexico. US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack confirmed the visa approvals, stating that "sports transcends borders".

The Group G Schedule

Despite establishing their base camp in Mexico, Iran will play all three of their Group G matches on US soil:

• June 15: Iran vs. New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium.

• June 21: Iran vs. Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium.

• June 26: Iran vs. Egypt at Seattle Stadium.