Iran's 26-Man World Cup Squad Wins U.S. Visas as 12-Plus Staff, Taj Are Denied

3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 5

All 26 Iran players were cleared to enter the United States for the World Cup, ending months of uncertainty just before the team’s group-stage matches there.
More than a dozen support staff and federation officials were rejected, including federation president Mehdi Taj, whom one official identified as a former Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander.
Friday passport pickups signaled the approvals were finalized after FIFA lobbied behind the scenes, with Gianni Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafstrom engaging Iranian officials in recent weeks.
The split decision lets Iran compete while limiting who can accompany the team, reflecting U.S. screening of applicants amid wartime tensions between Iran and one of the tournament’s hosts.

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Amidst active conflict, will commuting from Mexico for World Cup games sabotage Iran's chances of advancing?

As military strikes continue, can a soccer match succeed where months of U.S.-Iran peace talks have failed?

With peace talks failing, is the visa approval for Iran's team a diplomatic olive branch or a calculated political move?

Iran’s 2026 World Cup Challenge: Competing in the US Amid War, Visa Delays, and Political Controversy

Overview

Iran's national football team secured entry into the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after visas were officially granted on June 5, 2026, just days before the tournament began. The U.S. Embassy in Ankara efficiently processed the visas, allowing the team to move from their training camp in Antalya, Turkey, to a base in Tijuana, Mexico, before being cleared to enter the U.S. This last-minute arrival created immediate logistical challenges for Team Melli, as they had limited time to prepare for their first two matches near Los Angeles, with the World Cup set to start on June 11, 2026.

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