Iran Granted US Visas for 2026 World Cup

Iran’s national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington following months of military conflict.

The development was confirmed on Friday by United States Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack and separately by a U.S. administration official.

US Confirms Visa Approval for Iranian Team

Barrack praised officials at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for processing the visas, saying the move reflects the unifying role of sport.

“Proud of our outstanding team at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for their work processing visas for Iran’s national football team on their road to the FIFA World Cup in the United States,” Barrack said.

“Sports transcends borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world,” he added.

A U.S. administration official also confirmed that the Iranian squad had received visas to participate in the tournament.

However, the official stressed that security measures would remain in place.

“We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses,” the official said.

The visa approval clears the way for Iran to compete in football’s biggest tournament even as relations between the two countries remain strained following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.

Iran Moves Base Camp to Mexico

The Iranian team is expected to travel from Turkey to Spain on Saturday before arriving at its World Cup base camp in Mexico on Sunday.

Iran had initially planned to establish its training base in the United States but later relocated to Mexico amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington.

While based in Mexico, all of Iran’s group-stage matches will be played in the United States.

The decision to shift the team’s camp was influenced by security and diplomatic concerns arising from the conflict that began on February 28 with U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran.

Iran Set for Tough Group Stage Fixtures

Iran will begin its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles.

The Asian side will then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, before taking on Egypt in Seattle in their final group-stage match.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, marking the first time the tournament will be staged across three countries.

Iran’s participation ensures one of Asia’s strongest football nations will be present at the competition despite the geopolitical tensions surrounding its qualification and preparations.

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A Lagos-based journalist with a passion for disseminating factual information and a deep appreciation for good music, good food, movies, and beautiful cars. He hopes to travel the world someday, documenting its beauty and diverse cultures through his storytelling.