Iran's World Cup soccer players have received their U.S. visas, a U.S. official confirmed Friday. However, some administrative staff are still awaiting their visas, according to Iranian media reports. The team moved its base to Mexico due to visa issues.
Iran's World Cup soccer players have received visas to enter the United States, according to a U.S. official, just days before their first match. However, Iranian media reported on Saturday that some administrative staff had not yet obtained their visas. The U.S. official confirmed the players' visa issuance on Friday, following a statement from Iran's ambassador to Mexico on Thursday that they had not received them. Iranian media outlet Tasnim reported that Executive Director Mehdi Kharati, secretary general Hedayat Mombini, and Media Director Mohsen Motamedkia were among those without visas. These staff members are expected to travel with the team while visa efforts continue. The U.S., Mexico, and Canada are co-hosting the World Cup, which begins Wednesday. The report notes that the war involving Iran has turned the World Cup into a geopolitical contest. Iran negotiated a last-minute change of their team's base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, citing visa issues and a desire to minimize their presence in the United States. Iran is scheduled to play its first Group G match on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that the U.S. would not permit individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be part of Iran's delegation. Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's soccer federation and a former Revolutionary Guards commander, was denied entry for the tournament draw in December. Iran's ambassador to Mexico stated that Iran's participation in the World Cup, even on the soil of its perceived adversary, demonstrates its pursuit of peace.
The issuance of visas for Iran's World Cup team highlights the intersection of international sports, geopolitical tensions, and U.S. immigration policy, impacting the team's participation and the broader narrative surrounding the event.