The Iran national football team has not yet received U.S. visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and has asked FIFA to clarify the delay [1, 2].
The lack of travel documents threatens the team's ability to participate in the tournament on time. With the opening match scheduled for June 15, 2026 [1], any further delay could jeopardize the squad's preparation and arrival in the host country.
Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj said on May 15, 2026, that not a single visa had been issued to the national team [2]. The team is currently preparing to travel via Mexico to reach the United States [1, 2].
Officials from the FFIRI, including President Taj and Vice-President Nabi, are expecting the visa process to be completed within the current week [1]. Nabi said it is obvious whether the current situation is fair [1].
The delay has sparked concerns regarding the intersection of sports and diplomacy. A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, Bagai, said political reasons should not be considered when issuing visas [3]. While some reports suggest the delay may be linked to players' mandatory military service, Iranian officials have characterized the situation as unfair [1, 3].
The FFIRI continues to coordinate with FIFA to ensure the squad can compete. The federation is seeking a prompt resolution to avoid a diplomatic or athletic crisis just days before the tournament begins [1, 2].
“Not a single visa had been issued to the national team.”
The visa delay highlights the ongoing diplomatic tensions between the U.S. and Iran, which often bleed into international sporting events. Because FIFA mandates that host nations facilitate the entry of all qualified participants, a failure to issue visas could lead to a formal dispute between the governing body of football and the U.S. government.
