Iran World Cup Participation Uncertain as US Visas Remain Unissued
Iran's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup faces significant uncertainty as the national team's players have not yet received United States visas, with less than a month remaining before the tournament begins. Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation, confirmed that no visas have been issued and announced an upcoming decisive meeting with FIFA to demand guarantees for the team's travel and safety. The situation is complicated by heightened political tensions between Tehran and Washington, as well as specific restrictions affecting individuals linked to Iran's military institutions, such as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Although FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly insisted that Iran will compete in the US-hosted matches, Iranian authorities continue to seek urgent diplomatic and administrative resolutions. The team is scheduled to play group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle, with a base in Tucson, Arizona. This visa impasse has emerged as a major off-field controversy threatening to disrupt Iran's campaign in the global sporting event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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