Iran have accused the United States of denying visas to several key members of their World Cup delegation less than two weeks before their opening match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. The dispute has sparked fresh controversy around the tournament, with Iranian officials claiming the restrictions are preventing the team from operating under normal conditions.
The latest row comes only days after Iran’s players were finally granted permission to enter the United States following weeks of uncertainty surrounding their participation in the tournament.
Just 10 days before their World Cup opener, Iran’s national team had received clearance to travel to the United States after a tense visa standoff threatened to disrupt their preparations. The squad subsequently shifted its training plans, setting up camps in Antalya, Turkey, and Tijuana, Mexico, before making the journey to California for the tournament.
FIFA WORLD CUP 2026: FULL COVERAGE
However, before Iran could fully switch into World Cup mode, another dispute emerged.
Iran’s football federation and diplomatic officials have now alleged that several members of the team’s backroom staff, administrators and senior executives remain without visas despite the tournament beginning next week.
Among those reportedly still awaiting clearance are Iranian Football Federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini and vice-president Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, who were named among 14 officials and support staff members yet to receive visas, according to Iranian state television.
The federation has accused the United States of discriminatory treatment and says it intends to pursue the matter through FIFA.
WHY ARE IRAN WORLD CUP STAFF DENIED US VISAS?
The controversy erupted after US Ambassador to Trkiye Tom Barrack praised embassy officials in Ankara for processing visas for Iran’s national team and facilitating their travel to the World Cup.
Barrack said embassy staff had worked to ensure players and officials could attend the tournament and expressed hope of welcoming both the team and Iranian supporters to the United States.
Iran’s embassy in Ankara responded sharply to those claims.
In a statement posted on social media, the embassy accused the United States of attempting to “whitewash” actions that allegedly violated FIFA regulations and host nation obligations.
According to Iranian officials, visas have been denied to several managerial staff members, executives, technical advisers and administrative personnel considered essential to the operation of the national team.
The Iranian Football Federation described the move as “vindictive behaviour” and claimed the decision had denied the team a level playing field ahead of the tournament.
Iranian authorities further argued that political disputes were being allowed to interfere with sport and insisted FIFA should intervene to ensure all accredited members of participating delegations are granted access.
The United States has not publicly addressed the specific allegations.
However, according to reports, US officials have maintained that all players have received visas and that coaches, trainers and some support staff have also been approved. One official reportedly suggested that certain rejected applications may have involved individuals seeking visas under “false pretenses.”
The dispute arrives against the backdrop of wider tensions involving Iran and the United States, with the national team’s preparations already affected by logistical complications surrounding travel and training arrangements.
Neither FIFA nor US authorities have issued an official public response regarding the status of the remaining visa applications.
WHO WILL IRAN PLAY IN FIFA WORLD CUP?
Despite the ongoing uncertainty, Iran are expected to continue their preparations from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, before crossing into the United States for their matches.
The Asian side begin their FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign against New Zealand in Inglewood, California, on June 15.
Iran will then remain in California to face Belgium on June 21 before travelling to Seattle for their final Group G fixture against Egypt on June 26.
The team heads into the tournament after a mixed run of warm-up results. Iran recently defeated Mali 2-0 and also registered victories over Costa Rica and Gambia, although they suffered a defeat against Nigeria during their preparations.
With the World Cup now just days away, Iran will be hoping the remaining visa issues are resolved quickly so attention can finally return to football rather than off-field complications.
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