Iran still waiting for World Cup visas

WorldFootball
30 May 2026 • 10:50 PM MYT
DPA International
DPA International

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Image from: Iran still waiting for World Cup visas
FILE PHOTO - An Iranian flag hangs over a backrest in the stands after the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Group B soccer match between Iran and USA at Al-Thumama Stadium. Christian Charisius/dpa

Iran's team is still waiting for United States and Mexico visas less than two weeks before the start of the World Cup, the nation's governing football body FFIRI has said.

The FFIRI said it has sent an official letter to ruling body FIFA calling for "transparancy and clarification concerning the visa process for members of the Iranian national tream delegation."

It said FIFA have been asked for a clear statement, with an answer yet to be received.

The FFIRI said that the team's travel plans to the tournament are not finalised as a result of the situation.

Iran originally wanted to set up their World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona. But it was moved to the Mexican city of Tijuana, with Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum saying the US were not willing to let Iran stay overnight.

Iran play their World Cup matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle. Their first match is on June 15.

Iran is in a military conflict with the US since the end of February. Iran football officials met with FIFA officials recently in Turkey, where the team is preparing for the World Cup. There has been no information from that meeting.