US Denies Visas to Key Iranian World Cup Staff Days Before Tournament
A diplomatic dispute has broken out over US visas for Iran’s delegation to the 2026 World Cup. Some players and staff received approval on June 5, but several essential support personnel, including top federation officials, were excluded. The US State Department said all necessary visas for athletes and required staff were issued. Officials also warned against any abuse of the system to admit suspected terrorists under false pretenses. Iran’s embassy condemned the decision as discriminatory and said it will press FIFA to intervene. Excluded staff include the federation’s executive director, secretary general, and media director, who plan to travel to Mexico while their visa applications continue. Due to uncertainty over entry to the US, the team relocated its training camp to Mexico. Iran must now enter and leave US soil on match days for group games in Los Angeles, against New Zealand and Belgium, and later in Seattle against Egypt.
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