Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has received a significant boost after members of the national team were granted visas to enter the United States.
The approval clears the way for Iran’s players, coaches and support staff to travel from their training base in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of their opening World Cup fixtures in California.
The development brings an end to weeks of uncertainty surrounding the team’s travel arrangements amid ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
Visa processing concerns had previously forced Iran to alter its World Cup preparations.
The team originally planned to establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but instead relocated to Tijuana, just across the Mexican border, while awaiting clearance from U.S. authorities.
According to U.S. officials, all players named in Iran’s World Cup squad have now been approved for entry and are in the process of receiving their visas.
A second official confirmed that visas had also been issued to coaches, trainers and several members of the team’s support staff.
Iran’s World Cup preparations have already involved multiple locations.
The squad recently completed a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, before travelling to Mexico. Team officials also secured entry clearance through Mexico’s embassy in Ankara before the move to Tijuana.
The successful processing of U.S. visas now allows the team to focus fully on football as the tournament approaches.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack praised embassy staff involved in the process.
“Sports transcends borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world.”
Iran will begin its World Cup campaign in Inglewood, California, where it faces New Zealand on June 15.
A second group-stage clash against Belgium follows six days later at the same venue before the team heads to Seattle for its final group fixture against Egypt on June 26.
With travel concerns now resolved, Iran can shift its full attention to preparations for one of the most challenging groups in the tournament.
An intriguing possibility also remains on the horizon.
Should both Iran and the United States finish second in their respective groups, the two nations could meet in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
For now, however, Iran’s immediate focus will be on ensuring that a turbulent build-up gives way to a successful World Cup campaign on the pitch.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
