Visa obstacles loom for Iran's World Cup contingent
The Iranian national football team is scheduled to leave Antalya, Turkey, for Tijuana, Mexico, on Saturday, marking the first leg of its journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, the team’s preparations have been complicated by visa refusals for several officials, including team manager Mehdi Mohammadnabi and Football Federation Secretary General Hedayat Mombini.
Despite the setbacks, officials say they will continue to pursue diplomatic channels to secure the necessary permits for the delegation.
The squad is slated to open its tournament campaign against New Zealand on June 15, followed by fixtures against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26.
Coach Mehdi Kharaati and senior players such as Mohsen Motamedkia and Siamak Qalichkhani remain focused on the upcoming challenges, emphasizing that the team’s performance will speak for itself.
While the visa issue remains unresolved, the players and staff are determined to make a strong impression on the world stage, hoping that the administrative hurdles will not overshadow their sporting ambitions.