Iran’s national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US officials have confirmed, clearing the way for the team to participate in the tournament despite recent diplomatic tensions.
The approval comes just 10 days before Iran’s opening Group Stage match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
“The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued,” US officials said in a statement.
However, the officials stressed that the visa process would be carefully monitored, adding that authorities would not allow the Iranian delegation to “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”
The Iranian Football Federation has not yet publicly commented on the visa approvals.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, which begins on June 11, is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The tournament marks a unique moment in World Cup history, as it will be the first time a host nation welcomes a team from a country with which it is engaged in active conflict.
Concerns over travel arrangements had raised doubts about Iran’s preparations in recent weeks.
In late May, the president of the Iranian football federation, Mehdi Taj, announced that the team’s training base had been moved from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico because of visa-related difficulties.
As recently as last week, Iranian media reported that several members of the team’s technical and administrative staff were still awaiting approval to travel to the United States.
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted to travel as part of Iran’s World Cup delegation.
The issue has drawn particular attention because several players in the Iranian squad have completed mandatory military service with the organisation, which is a requirement for many Iranian men.
With visa approvals now confirmed for players and essential support personnel, Iran can turn its full attention to preparations for its opening match as it seeks to make an impact on football’s biggest stage.
