FIFA World Cup 2026: US Approves Visas For Iranian Footballers Ahead Of First Match In LA

Iran's football players have been granted visas to enter the United States, just 10 days before their first World Cup match in Los Angeles. The approval comes during open conflict between the two countries, adding tension to the team's travel and stay.

Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, had said the squad had still not received their US visas. A White House official then confirmed that the visas were granted overnight, ending growing concern over the team's participation schedule.

Tehran has negotiated a last-minute move of the team's World Cup base from Arizona to Tijuana in Mexico. Officials cited the visa issues and a growing feeling in Iran that the squad's presence on United States soil should be kept to a minimum.

The team are scheduled to land in Tijuana early Sunday morning. From there, players and staff are expected to cross into the United States for matches only. Their first game is set for Los Angeles, with dates yet to be detailed publicly.

Geopolitics shapes World Cup hosting and security

The Iran war has turned the World Cup into a geopolitical contest, with both sides appearing to use the tournament for political posturing. It is the first World Cup, since its inception in 1930, in which a host nation is set to receive a country it is at war with.

Ambassador Pasandideh said that the United States has never formally stated it did not want the Iran team to stay on its territory. However, security and political concerns have driven conditions on who can travel with the delegation.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that the United States would not allow Iran to include in its World Cup delegation individuals linked to the Revolutionary Guards. The force is a powerful branch of the Iranian armed forces, with political and security roles.

That condition could apply to several players in the Iran squad who have completed mandatory military service with the group. Earlier problems with processing visas also forced Iran to switch its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, near Mexico's border with California.

World Cup 2026 format and hosts

The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada from June 11 to July 19. The tournament will have a record 48 teams in the fray, expanding opportunities for more national sides to qualify.