Iran’s national football team has yet to receive US visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, raising uncertainty over its participation in the tournament.
The head of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, said an important meeting with FIFA is expected soon to address visa-related concerns and security guarantees. He confirmed that no US visas have been issued so far for any Iranian players or officials.
According to reports, Iranian players may need to undergo biometric and fingerprinting procedures in Ankara, the Turkish capital, as part of the visa process. However, Iranian authorities are attempting to complete this process in Antalya to avoid requiring the team to make an additional trip.
Meanwhile, a farewell ceremony was held in Tehran in honour of the national team, where thousands of fans gathered to show their support. The team’s new World Cup kit was also unveiled at the event.
It should be noted that the 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Iran scheduled to play its group matches in the United States. Concerns about Iran’s participation have been ongoing due to tense political relations between Iran and the United States, as well as recent regional conflicts.
Total 48 teams will compete in World Cup
A total of 48 teams will compete in the 2026 World Cup, which will begin on June 11, 2026, and will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Argentina will defend its title.
This will be the largest World Cup ever in terms of the number of teams, compared to 32 teams in 2022. Teams from Jordan, Uzbekistan, Cape Verde, and Curaçao will participate in the tournament for the first time in its history.
Not only in terms of teams but also in prize money, this will be the biggest event ever. FIFA has allocated $871 million for the tournament, nearly double the amount of the previous event. Each team will receive $2.5 million for preparation and $10 million for qualifying. In 2022, teams received $1.5 million for preparation and $9 million for qualifying. This means each team will receive $12.5 million simply for qualifying, with additional amounts awarded based on performance.
The winner of the 2026 World Cup will receive $53.5 million, compared to $42 million awarded to Argentina in 2022. The runner-up will receive $36.5 million, the third-placed team will receive $32.5 million, and the fourth-placed team will receive $35 million.
Teams finishing between 5th and 8th place will each receive $22.5 million. Those ranked 9th to 16th will receive $18.5 million, while teams placed 17th to 32nd will get $14.5 million. Teams finishing between 33rd and 48th place will receive $12.5 million, as mentioned earlier. A total of 104 matches will be played in this tournament, compared to 64 matches in the 2022 World Cup.
Read more: ICC names Bangladesh speedster Naheed Rana player of the month
