Last Updated:
Iran condemns US for denying visas to 15 Iran delegation staff before 2026 FIFA World Cup, calls move political, vows to pursue case with FIFA amid wider US Iran tensions
United States of America has refused to grant visas to 15 members of Iran’s delegation (AP)
A diplomatic dispute has erupted ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after several members of Iran’s football delegation were reportedly denied entry visas by the United States, one of the tournament’s three host nations.
According to Iranian state television, visas have been issued to the players and coaching staff of the Iran football team, but 15 members of the delegation’s administrative and management staff are still unable to travel to the United States.
“Visas have been issued for the national team and the technical staff, and there are 15 members of the administration and management whose visas are problematic and have not been issued by the US,” a state television reporter said from Antalya, Turkey, where the team is currently holding a training camp.
A US official confirmed that Iran’s players had received their visas ahead of the tournament. However, Iranian media reported that several senior officials, including executive director Mehdi Kharati, federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombini and media director Mohsen Motamedkia, had yet to obtain clearance.
Politically Motivated?
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran strongly criticised the situation, calling it politically motivated and inconsistent with the principles of international sport.
“The US government, continuing its hostile actions against the national team … made a non-sporting and completely political decision to refuse visas for key managerial and administrative members of the Iranian national football team,” it said in a statement reported by Iran’s state media.
“This issue will definitely be pursued by the Football Federation through FIFA.
“As the responsible body, (FIFA) has the duty to follow up and finalise the visas for the managerial, executive, technical, and support staff of the Iranian national team who are currently in camp and whom the national team urgently needs.”
The dispute comes against a backdrop of ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States. Iran has moved its World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and plans to minimise its time on US soil.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently stated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be permitted entry.
Despite the tensions, Iran remains committed to participating in the tournament. Ambassador Abolfazl Pasandideh emphasised that football could serve as a bridge rather than a battleground.
“Iran’s participation in the World Cup — even on the soil of what is seen as its enemy — shows that Iran seeks peace,” Pasandideh said through a Spanish interpreter at the Iranian embassy in Mexico City.
Iran will open their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against the New Zealand national football team before facing the Belgium national football team and the Egypt national football team in Group G.
(With inputs from Agencies)
About the Author
Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for over a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes cricket conten…Read More
Read More
