Iran's national team obtained necessary visas to compete in the 2026 World Cup in the United States following days of uncertainty.
5:16 PM
Iran's football squad has received visas to enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup, resolving a diplomatic standoff that threatened their participation in the tournament.
The Iranian Football Federation confirmed Friday that players had handed their passports to the United States embassy in Turkey for visa processing, following instructions from FIFA, world football's governing body. A White House official later confirmed to Reuters that the visas had been issued.
The resolution came after days of public tension. Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, had denounced the visa delays earlier this week, stating that the squad remained blocked ten days before their scheduled opening match in Los Angeles. The uncertainty had raised concerns about whether Iran could reach the United States in time for the tournament's start.
Iran's national team is scheduled to fly to Mexico on Saturday to establish their base camp for the World Cup. Although all their matches will be played in the United States, the team will operate from a home base in Mexico during the competition.
The squad recently completed their final warm-up fixture before the World Cup, defeating Mali in a friendly match. The visa approval now clears the way for their departure and participation in the tournament.
Infantino expressed confidence Iran will participate in the summer tournament hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico, despite political tensions and security concerns.
FIFA approached Mexico after the United States declined to accommodate Iran's squad during the tournament, despite Iran playing group matches in the US.
Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh thanked Australia for protection and expressed hope to continue sporting careers after being granted humanitarian visas.
Iranian football federation representatives were turned back by Canadian authorities ahead of the FIFA Congress in Vancouver this week, raising questions about their World Cup participation.
Paolo Zampolli, a U.S. special envoy, suggested to Trump and FIFA that Italy substitute for Iran in the tournament starting in June.
Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi met with ambassadors in Tehran on Saturday to present Iran's latest peace initiative.