Iran's Mehdi Torabi Secures New U.S. Visa for 2026 World Cup After Expiry
Updated
Updated · ESPN · Jun 16
Iran's Mehdi Torabi Secures New U.S. Visa for 2026 World Cup After Expiry
3 articles · Updated · ESPN · Jun 16
Summary
Mehdi Torabi, 31, was issued a new multiple-entry U.S. visa on Tuesday, clearing the Iran forward to play the rest of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
His earlier single-entry visa expired after Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand, leaving him unable to re-enter the U.S. for upcoming matches until the State Department intervened.
Iran's federation said it worked with FIFA to resolve the problem, and the U.S. said it moved quickly once the issue surfaced to ensure Torabi could participate in every game.
The case adds to wider visa friction around Iran's tournament logistics: 13 delegation members were denied entry, Iran shifted its base to Tijuana, and U.S. officials say the team must leave immediately after matches.