Members of the Iran national soccer team applied for U.S. and Canada visas in Ankara, Turkey, this week ahead of the 2026 [1] FIFA World Cup.
The move highlights the diplomatic friction between the U.S. and Iran, which could potentially prevent the team from competing in the tournament. Because the U.S. is a host nation, the granting of visas is a critical prerequisite for the team's participation.
At least four players and one member of the team's entourage submitted their applications in Ankara [2]. The players traveled to Turkey to undergo the visa process, as diplomatic tensions often complicate direct applications within Iran.
Simultaneously, FIFA and Iranian officials have held meetings in Istanbul to address these travel and diplomatic hurdles. FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström met with Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj to discuss the situation. These talks are described as constructive, though a final decision regarding the team's fate remains pending a future FIFA meeting [3].
The logistical effort to secure visas in a third country is a common strategy for nations with strained relations with host countries. However, the outcome of the visa applications and the ongoing talks in Istanbul will determine if the squad can travel to North America for the 2026 [1] tournament.
FIFA has not yet released a formal statement regarding the final status of the Iranian delegation's entry permits. The organization continues to coordinate between the Iranian federation and the host governments to ensure the tournament's sporting integrity is maintained despite geopolitical tensions [3].
“At least four players and one entourage member submitted their applications in Ankara”
The reliance on third-party countries like Turkey for visa processing underscores the deep diplomatic rift between Washington and Tehran. While FIFA attempts to maintain a neutral sporting environment, the U.S. government retains sovereign control over border entry, meaning the Iranian team's participation is subject to political will rather than just athletic qualification.
