Iran’s national football team is still waiting to receive United States visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising fresh concerns over travel arrangements and participation logistics just weeks before the tournament begins.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Mohammad Taghi Hosseini, said the delay means the team is not competing “on equal terms” with other countries preparing for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
According to Iranian officials, players and team staff have yet to receive the required travel documents despite ongoing discussions involving FIFA and US authorities.
“We are not on equal terms with the other teams,” Hosseini said, adding that the visa process has become a major challenge for the squad ahead of the competition.
The issue comes amid strained diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington, as well as heightened political tensions in the Middle East.
Iran had initially planned to camp in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament, but later moved its base to Tijuana, Mexico, following security and visa concerns.
FIFA confirmed the relocation earlier this week after discussions with Iranian football officials.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj also expressed concern over the delays, saying, “No visas have been issued yet.”
He added that Iranian players were expected to travel to Turkey for fingerprinting and visa processing, although efforts were being made to complete the procedure in Antalya instead of Ankara.
Despite the complications, FIFA has maintained that Iran will participate in the World Cup as scheduled.
The Asian nation is set to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G matches to be played in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran qualified for the tournament after topping its Asian qualifying group and will be making its seventh World Cup appearance.
FIFA has yet to publicly comment on the latest visa concerns, although Iranian officials say discussions with football governing bodies are ongoing.
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