Iran Wins 4 US Visa Appeals for World Cup Staff as 11 Delegation Members Stay Barred
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Iran Wins 4 US Visa Appeals for World Cup Staff as 11 Delegation Members Stay Barred
3 articles · Updated · BBC.com · Jun 13
Summary
Four of 10 refiled US visa applications from Iran’s World Cup delegation were approved after the team shifted its tournament base to Mexico, but 11 members still cannot enter the United States.
Six appeal applicants were rejected again, including FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, a vice-president, two team administrators, a media officer and a security officer; another media officer did not reapply.
US restrictions have centered on alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said players would be admitted but some affiliated officials could face entry bans.
Iran open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, return there to face Belgium on 21 June and then play Egypt in Seattle on 26 June, while US officials have already revoked the group-stage ticket allocation for Iranian supporters.
As Iran’s team flies into a rival nation for matches, can players escape the weight of a war back home?
As war and sport collide at the World Cup, can the principle of fair competition survive national security policies?
Iran’s World Cup 2026 Struggle: U.S. Entry Restrictions, FIFA’s Limits, and the Global Backlash
Overview
As of June 13, 2026, Iran’s national football team faced unprecedented challenges at the World Cup due to the ongoing war with the United States, one of the host nations. This historic situation created major uncertainty for Iranian players and officials, who waited until the last moment to know if they could participate. The U.S. clarified that Iranian players would be allowed entry, but those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps might face restrictions. These geopolitical tensions led to delays, special visa scrutiny, and highlighted the complex intersection of sports and international politics at the tournament.