Key facts
- Members of Iran's World Cup administrative staff have reportedly not been granted U.S. visas.
- Iranian footballers have received their visas for the tournament in Mexico.
Members of Iran's World Cup administrative staff have reportedly not been granted U.S. visas, leading to the team moving its base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. While the footballers received their visas, some support staff face denial, with efforts ongoing to secure their entry. The U.S. indicated it would not permit individuals linked to the IRGC to join the delegation.
Members of Iran's World Cup 2026 administrative staff have reportedly not been given visas to enter the United States, according to Iranian media. U.S. officials confirmed that while the Iranian footballers have been granted visas for the tournament, which begins on Thursday in Mexico, some support staff are reportedly being denied entry. This follows an earlier statement by Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, that the players had not yet received their visas. Iran plays its first match on June 16 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The team's participation has been subject to speculation following recent geopolitical events. Tasnim news agency reported that denied staff include executive director Mehdi Kharati, federation secretary general Hedayat Mombini, and media director Mohsen Motamedkia. These staff members will travel to Mexico with the team while efforts to obtain their documents continue. Iran negotiated a last-minute move of the team's base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, due to the visa issues and a desire to minimize the squad's presence in the U.S. The team is scheduled to land in Tijuana on Sunday. Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the U.S. would not permit individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to be part of the delegation, and former IRGC commander and current federation president Mehdi Taj was previously denied entry for the tournament draw.
The visa denials highlight ongoing geopolitical tensions impacting international sporting events and raise questions about the free movement of individuals associated with nations facing scrutiny.