Iran's Team Granted US Visas for the World Cup, Officials Say

I ran's football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, US officials have confirmed, the BBC reports. The approval comes around 10 days before Iran's opening fixture against New Zealand, due to be played in Los Angeles on June 15.

"The visas have been issued"

"The visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued," officials said. They added that the United States would not allow the Iranian team to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses." Iran's football federation had not publicly commented on the visa approvals at the time of reporting.

A first for the tournament

The 2026 World Cup kicks off on June 11 and is hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. It is the first edition of the competition in which a host nation receives the team of a country it is at war with. The two sides have been in conflict in the Middle East, with a fragile ceasefire in place.

Base moved to Mexico

In late May, Iran moved its training base to Mexico from Tucson, Arizona, a decision Mehdi Taj, president of Iran's football federation, attributed to visa problems. As recently as Friday, the Fars news agency reported that some members of the team's technical and administrative staff had not received US visas.

The IRGC question

Earlier in the week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that Iran's football delegation would not be allowed to include individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a powerful branch of the Iranian armed forces. Several players in the Iranian squad have completed mandatory military service with the group.

Group G

Iran open against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, then face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, before closing the group against Egypt in Seattle.

Reporting: Tabby Wilson, BBC, June 5, 2026.