Iran says U.S. visas for 2026 World Cup still pending before opener

Iran’s football federation said on Thursday that no U.S. entry visas have been issued yet for the national team to compete at the 2026 World Cup. Team Melli is due to open its Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. Federation officials said they are seeking formal assurances from FIFA and tournament organizers as processing continues less than a month before kickoff. Iran plans to base in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament.

Federation chief Mehdi Taj said approvals remain pending and that a decisive meeting with FIFA is planned in the coming days to secure guarantees while applications are processed. State media reported that the federation has not been informed of any individual approvals so far. Preparations are continuing regardless, with travel and accommodation arranged for the group stage.

As part of the visa process, the federation has organized fingerprinting for players in Turkey. The initial plan was to complete biometrics in Ankara, though officials are working to move appointments to Antalya to reduce transit time and disruption. The aim is to keep the training schedule intact while paperwork proceeds.

According to the tournament schedule, Iran will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G. With the team’s base in Tucson, logistics will require repeated domestic travel in the U.S. between the training site and match venues during the group phase.

Assurances sought from FIFA and organizers

Officials said the federation wants clarity on procedures and timelines given the proximity of the opening match. While host nations are expected to facilitate entry for accredited participants, the team has yet to receive confirmations that would allow it to finalize flights and camp operations. Taj’s comments highlighted the urgency, noting that the lack of updates has complicated planning around departures and base-camp routines.

Visa processing for large delegations typically involves coordinated steps — biometrics, passport submission and return logistics — on a defined schedule. Any slippage can compress training blocks, affect friendly fixtures and delay staff deployment. Iran has already held a formal send-off ceremony for the squad and staff, indicating preparations are otherwise on track pending paperwork.

Political backdrop and next steps

Tehran and Washington have had no diplomatic relations since 1980, a backdrop that often adds administrative complexity to travel between the two countries. The current situation has put added focus on coordination among the federation, FIFA and local organizers to ensure the team’s timely arrival in the U.S.

Federation officials are awaiting feedback from FIFA and tournament organizers on guarantees and processing windows. Any update on visa issuance or changes to the biometric schedule in Turkey is expected to shape Iran’s final travel plan in the coming days ahead of the June 15 opener.