The United States has refused to issue visas to 15 members of Iran’s World Cup delegation, Iranian state television reported on Saturday, raising fresh political tension ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico and Canada.
According to the report, Iran’s players and technical staff have received visas, clearing the national team to travel for its group-stage matches in the United States. However, 15 members of the country’s administrative and management delegation have not been granted entry.
“Visas have been issued for the national team and the technical staff, and there are 15 members of the administration and management whose visas are problematic and have not been issued by the US,” a state television reporter said from Antalya, Turkey, where Iran have been holding a training camp.
The dispute comes less than two weeks before Iran’s opening match and amid heightened tensions between Tehran and Washington. Reuters reported that while Iran’s players had received visas, several senior officials, including federation executives and media personnel, were still awaiting approval and were expected to remain in Mexico while efforts continued to secure their entry.
Iran’s team had originally been expected to base itself in the United States but moved its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, after delays and uncertainty over US visa processing. The team is scheduled to play New Zealand and Belgium in Inglewood, California, before facing Egypt in Seattle later in the group stage.
Iranian football officials have accused the US of politicising the tournament and treating members of the delegation unfairly. The federation has indicated that it may raise the matter with FIFA, arguing that all qualified teams should be able to participate fully in the tournament without discrimination.
The US has not publicly confirmed the exact number of Iranian delegation members denied visas. However, a US official told the Associated Press that visas had been granted to players, coaches and essential support staff, while some applicants were denied entry after allegedly applying under false pretences.
The visa dispute adds a geopolitical dimension to a tournament already being closely watched because the United States is one of the hosts. Iran and the US have no formal diplomatic relations, and travel between the two countries remains complicated.
Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in March, securing its seventh appearance at the tournament and fourth consecutive qualification.
