The 23rd FIFA World Cup is set to begin on June 11, 2026. However, Iran’s national football team is still awaiting visas to travel to the United States to participate in the tournament.
Iranian officials in Tehran stated that players and staff have not yet received the necessary visas to enter the United States for the competition. According to these officials, members of the Iranian squad are currently preparing to apply for visas at the Canadian embassy in Turkey.
Iran is scheduled to play its first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Both teams are in Group G. After that, Iran will face Belgium in Los Angeles and then Egypt in Seattle.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have reportedly affected the visa process, particularly concerning former members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) within the team. The United States has imposed sanctions on the IRGC and has stated that it is not prepared to grant visas to any current or former members of the organisation who are part of the Iranian delegation. Canada has also imposed sanctions on the IRGC.
US authorities have made it clear that they will not allow entry to any former IRGC members who are part of the Iranian football team.
Canadian authorities have reportedly taken a similar stance. In April or May 2026, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation and a former IRGC commander, was reportedly sent back from Toronto Airport upon arrival in Canada. He had been travelling to attend a FIFA Congress.
According to Canadian authorities, Taj was initially issued a temporary visa, but it was revoked after his past affiliation with the IRGC came to light, and he was denied entry upon arrival.
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 approaches, Iran is calling on FIFA and the host countries, the United States, Canada, and Mexico, to ensure that all players, coaches, and officials of the Iranian national team, including those who have completed compulsory military service in the IRGC, are granted visas to participate in the tournament.
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