Iran squad sent off, Türkiye camp begins as U.S. visas pending

Iran’s national football team staged a public send-off in Tehran on May 14, 2026, as thousands gathered in Enqelab Square ahead of the squad’s departure to a training camp in Türkiye. The rally comes weeks before the FIFA World Cup, where Iran’s three group matches are scheduled in the United States. Federation officials said visas for players and staff had not yet been issued, and they have asked FIFA to help expedite the process.

The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) said it asked world football’s governing body to coordinate with host-country authorities on entry permits. FFIRI secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini said notifications had not yet arrived but expressed confidence that FIFA’s commitments would translate into timely clearances. He added that the objective remains for the entire traveling party to obtain visas in time for the tournament schedule.

The team plans to complete final preparations in Türkiye and travel to North America once the delegation’s documents are confirmed. Coaches intend to use the camp to assess player fitness and refine match rhythm before the World Cup opener, while staff finalize logistics for potential last-minute travel.

Concerns about documentation intensified after a 2024 episode in which an FFIRI delegation, led by federation president Mehdi Taj, was turned back at Toronto’s main airport and missed a pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver. Statements at the time indicated Canadian immigration officials denied entry due to alleged ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both Canada and the United States classify as a terrorist organization.

The farewell rally in Tehran featured the unveiling of Iran’s World Cup kit and appearances by players and staff on stage. Taj characterized the turnout as the strongest send-off of the past four World Cup cycles, underlining a message of unity and dignity around the national team’s campaign.

Visa clearances and FIFA’s role

FFIRI officials said they have requested that FIFA take the lead in liaising with U.S. authorities on visa processing for players, coaches and support staff. While no formal approvals had been communicated as of the send-off, federation leaders said they expect the paperwork to be completed within World Cup timelines and will adjust operational plans once consular updates arrive.

Officials also pointed to the team’s fixed footprint: Iran’s three group-stage matches are set to be played in U.S. cities, making timely visa issuance essential for confirming travel logistics and the final composition of the delegation. The federation said it would keep the camp schedule flexible to accommodate any late changes stemming from visa decisions.

Training camp and warm-up fixtures in Türkiye

Before flying to North America, Iran will base in Türkiye for a preparatory camp. FFIRI said the national team is scheduled to face The Gambia in a friendly on May 29 in Antalya as part of the final tune-up phase. Officials added that work was under way to secure an additional warm-up match during the same camp window.

Technical staff plan to integrate late arrivals and evaluate form across the squad during the Türkiye camp. The sessions are designed to sharpen match fitness and solidify tactical mechanisms before travel. Logistics teams are aligning travel plans so the delegation can move once visa decisions are communicated.

With the send-off complete and the Türkiye camp opening, attention turns to visa clearances and the team’s travel timeline. Updates from FIFA and consular authorities are expected in the coming days.