A major uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been resolved, as Iranian footballers have been granted visas to enter the United States.
US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack confirmed on Friday that visas had been issued to Iran’s national football team. A separate statement from a US administration official also confirmed the development.
The decision clears the way for Iran to compete in the World Cup despite ongoing tensions and conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Although a ceasefire is currently in place, relations between the countries remain strained.
“Proud of our outstanding team at the US 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. He added that sport has the power to bring people together and that all teams and fans would be welcomed.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the visa approvals but stressed that security checks would remain strict. The official said the US would not allow anyone to misuse the visa process.
Iran’s squad is scheduled to travel from Turkey to Spain on Saturday before heading to Mexico for its World Cup training camp. The team will be based in Tijuana throughout the tournament and will travel to the United States for its group-stage matches.
Earlier concerns over visa delays had forced Iran to move its planned training base from Arizona to Mexico. All three of Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
The visa approvals come just days before Iran’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, ending weeks of uncertainty over the team’s participation.
