US allegedly denies visas to Iran WC team staff

Iran has accused the United States of refusing visas to a significant number of officials and staff associated with its national football team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite Washington confirming that Iranian players have been granted entry permits.

The dispute emerged just days before Iran's opening World Cup match against Belgium in Los Angeles on 15 June.

US officials said on Friday that all Iranian players and "essential support personnel" had received visas to travel to the United States for the tournament. However, they stressed that the visa process would not be exploited to allow individuals with security concerns to enter the country.

Iran's embassy in Turkey responded by accusing Washington of politically motivated interference in sport. In a statement, the embassy claimed that a large number of the team's management officials, executive personnel and technical advisers had been denied visas.
Iranian state-affiliated media reported that 15 football federation officials, including the federation's president, vice-president and a media director, had been refused entry to the United States.

The Iranian squad departed a training camp in Turkey on Saturday and travelled to Mexico, where the team will be based during the World Cup. According to Iranian officials, visa restrictions require the team to enter the United States only on match days and leave immediately afterwards.

Iran described Washington's announcement regarding player visas as an attempt to conceal the full extent of the restrictions. In a strongly worded statement, Iranian authorities accused the US of pursuing deliberate and discriminatory treatment against the national team.
Tehran has called on FIFA to intervene in the matter. The 2026 World Cup, which begins on 11 June, is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Iran secured qualification for the tournament in March 2025 after finishing top of its qualifying group.

The situation is particularly notable as it marks the first time in World Cup history that a host nation is welcoming a team from a country with which it is effectively in a state of conflict. In late May, Iran relocated its planned training base from Arizona to Mexico amid growing concerns over travel restrictions.

The US Department of Homeland Security has not confirmed whether additional restrictions will apply to Iranian players or officials during their time in the country. However, the department said it remained committed to ensuring the safety and security of both American citizens and visitors attending the World Cup.

The agency added that it is closely involved in security planning across all 11 US host cities, including Los Angeles.

Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that individuals linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) would not be permitted to form part of the country's World Cup delegation.

The IRGC is a powerful branch of Iran's armed forces. Several members of the Iranian national team have previously completed compulsory military service under its authority.

Iran is also scheduled to face Egypt in Seattle during the group stage of the tournament.