TEHRAN, Iran — The United States has denied or delayed visas for several high-ranking officials and support staff of the Iranian national football team just days before the squad’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports from Iranian state media.
While the U.S. government approved entry visas for all players on Iran’s active World Cup roster, multiple administrative, media and security personnel were excluded from the initial approvals. The visa restrictions come amid a fragile ceasefire following direct military conflict between the two nations earlier this year.
According to the semi-official Tasnim News Agency, the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, refused or held back visas for prominent soccer figures, including Team Melli manager Mehdi Mohammadnabi and Hedayat Mombini, the secretary general of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Other key personnel locked out of the travel delegation include national team executive director Mehdi Kharaati, media director Mohsen Motamedkia and communications staff member Siamak Qalichkhani. Visas were also withheld from a team performance analyst, international committee representatives, and security personnel, alongside delegates from the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The administrative logjam has altered the team’s logistical preparations. Driven by broader geopolitical tensions, FIFA previously coordinated with the Mexican government to shift Iran’s primary tournament training base to Tijuana, Mexico.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that her government agreed to host the squad after U.S. authorities expressed a reluctance to let the Iranian delegation stay overnight in the country for the duration of the tournament. The team traveled from its training camp in Antalya, Turkey, to set up its secure base in Mexico, where officials say diplomatic efforts to secure the remaining U.S. visas will continue.
Under strict tournament protocols, the Iranian players must enter and exit the United States strictly on scheduled match days. Despite the off-field diplomatic standoff, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack publicly praised consular teams for processing the athletic visas, stating on social media that sports transcend international borders.
Iran will open its Group G campaign against New Zealand at Los Angeles Stadium on June 15. Team Melli is then scheduled to play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 before traveling to Seattle Stadium to face Egypt in its final group stage match on June 26.
