The United States has refused to issue visas to 15 members of Iran’s delegation ahead of the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026, creating difficulties for the Iranian team’s administrative staff.
According to AFP, Iranian state television reported that while visas have been granted to the national team’s players and coaching staff, the applications of 15 individuals from the team’s administrative and management group have not yet been resolved.
A reporter from Iranian state TV, speaking from the team’s training camp in Antalya, Turkey, said that the players and technical staff have complete travel documentation. However, some members of the delegation’s administrative personnel have not been issued US visas.
The development comes at a time when Iran’s national team is actively preparing for the World Cup. Iran’s group-stage matches are scheduled to be held entirely in the United States, while the team’s base camp has been established in Mexico.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
So far, US authorities have not issued any official statement explaining the reasons for the delay or refusal of visas.
