Iran Gives Huge Update On 2026 FIFA World Cup In US: 'No Visas Have Been Issued Yet'

Last Updated:May 15, 2026, 09:50 IST

Iran warns politics threaten 2026 FIFA World Cup as US has not issued visas for Team Melli, officials seek FIFA guarantees and easier fingerprinting for players in Turkey

Iran’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by uncertainty over travel clearance to the United States, with the country’s football federation confirming that no visas have yet been issued for the national team.

According to Iranian state media, federation president Mehdi Taj said discussions with FIFA would take place in the coming days as Tehran seeks guarantees on entry for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, we will have a decisive meeting with FIFA. They must give us guarantees, because the visa issue has still not been resolved," Taj said, as quoted by IRNA.

Will Iran Play FIFA World In US?

The federation chief also stressed that there had been no confirmation from US authorities regarding approvals for Iranian players or staff. “We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet," he added.

As part of the visa application process, Iranian players are expected to undergo fingerprinting procedures in Turkey. Taj explained that officials are trying to simplify logistics for the squad.

“The players must travel to Ankara for fingerprinting, but we are trying to arrange for this to be done in Antalya so there will be no need to travel to Ankara," he said.

The issue arises amid ongoing tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel. Iran has been involved in a conflict with the US and Israel since February 28, although a fragile ceasefire has reportedly been in place since early April.

Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi also criticised the uncertainty surrounding access to the tournament, warning that politics should not interfere with global sporting events.

“If the organising body cannot guarantee that all qualified teams, including Iran, can enter the host country without discrimination or restriction… the credibility of the World Cup itself will be undermined," Gharibabadi wrote on X.

Iran, known internationally as Team Melli, recently held a send-off ceremony ahead of the tournament. The team is scheduled to be based in Tucson, Arizona during the competition and will begin its FIFA World Cup campaign against the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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