Iran Reports No Visas Received for 2026 World Cup in US Amid Diplomatic Tensions
Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, announced that the Iranian national football team has not yet received the necessary visas to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup. This development heightens uncertainty regarding the team's participation in the tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, against a backdrop of intensified political and military tensions between Iran and the US. Taj stated that no delegation members have obtained entry authorization and emphasized the need for guarantees from FIFA during an upcoming decisive meeting. The visa impasse is linked to the absence of diplomatic relations between the two nations since 1980 and recent escalations in the Middle East, including reported attacks by the US and Israel on Iran in February. Despite these challenges, FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously indicated that Iran should compete normally. The Iranian team, known as Team Melli, recently held a farewell ceremony and is slated to be based in Tucson, Arizona, pending resolution of the entry issues.
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