FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 19, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. - Infantino hit back at Western critics of Qatar's human rights record at his opening press conference of the World Cup on November 19, blasting their "hypocrisy". (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
FIFA Guarantees US Visas for Iran’s World Cup Squad Amid Regional Tensions
Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, announced that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has assured the country that its men’s national football team will receive the necessary visas to compete in the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
The assurance came despite growing concerns over Iran’s participation due to the ongoing Middle East war and strained diplomatic relations involving the United States.
Local media had reported months of uncertainty about Iran’s place in the tournament, especially after the US and Israel bombed Iran on 28 February, a move that sparked a wider regional conflict.
Donyamali stressed that there is no justification for denying entry to the players, quoting Infantino’s promise that all squad members would obtain visas.
He added that the host nations are obligated to provide visas for players, coaches and support staff, and expressed hope that all conditions would be met for a calm and orderly participation.
The Iranian Football Federation confirmed that the team will base its preparations in Tijuana, Mexico, a city bordering the United States, to facilitate the visa process.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum echoed this stance, stating that Mexico will host Iran to avoid complications arising from US visa restrictions.
While based in Mexico, the squad is expected to apply for multiple‑entry visas issued by the United States, Donyamali noted.
At FIFA’s congress in Vancouver last month, Infantino reiterated that Iran would play its World Cup matches in the United States as originally scheduled.
The latest assurance aims to ease worries within the Iranian camp as preparations continue. The squad is currently training in Antalya, southern Turkey, with some players having already visited the US embassy in Ankara to submit visa applications.
The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off on 11 June. Iran’s group‑stage fixtures include a match against Belgium in Los Angeles on 21 June and a encounter with Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.
Iran hopes the visa process will be completed without further complications as they continue their build‑up to the tournament.
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