The United States has granted entry visas to every member of Iran’s World Cup soccer contingent, including players, coaches, trainers and a handful of support staff, clearing a major obstacle that had threatened the team’s participation in the global tournament.
A fraught path to the World Cup
The clearance comes after the squad was forced to relocate from its original training hub in Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, where visa processing was more forthcoming, a move confirmed by U.S. officials who said passports are expected to be returned in the coming days.
Iran’s preparation has been anchored in Antalya, Turkey, where the team has been based for weeks, and the final green light was delivered by Mexico’s diplomatic mission in Ankara, which issued the necessary travel documents on behalf of the Iranian delegation.
The team’s first two group‑stage fixtures are slated for Inglewood, California, where they will meet New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21; a potential clash with the United States could arise in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, should both sides finish second in their respective groups.
Former President Donald Trump had publicly urged Iran to stay out of the competition, citing safety concerns for the players, a stance that was met with a blunt rebuttal from Tehran, which declared that no external force could bar the nation from competing.
Iran’s sports minister initially cast doubt on the team’s ability to attend, but the national federation reversed course in May, insisting that all athletes and staff, including those with service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, receive visas, a decision that underscores the intertwining of sport and state.
The final roster reflects the turbulence of the region: star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in March after a social‑media post that drew official ire, while 17 domestic players, whose clubs have been idle since February because of the war, make the cut, illustrating the blend of experience and necessity that will define Iran’s World Cup campaign.