Iran player's visa expires after entering U.S. for World Cup

Mehdi Torabi, a forward for Iran's national soccer team, is facing visa complications in the United States, with his visa reportedly expiring after his entry for the World Cup. The official Iranian news agency Irna reported on Tuesday that Torabi's visa was only valid for a single entry, contrasting with the multiple-entry visas granted to other members of the Team Melli.

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Although the rest of the players of Team Melli received visas before the competition that allowed them to enter and leave the United States on multiple occasions, Torabi's was only valid for a single entry.

According to Irna, Torabi's visa expired after the team's travel to Los Angeles for their match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game. The Iranian Football Federation has initiated procedures to obtain a new visa for Torabi, aiming to allow him to join the national team for their subsequent matches.

This incident adds to a series of visa-related issues encountered by the Iranian delegation. Previously, about fifteen members of the delegation were denied U.S. visas. Irna also reported that captain Mehdi Taremi and a coaching staff member experienced difficulties upon arrival at Los Angeles airport.

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After the team's trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi's visa expired.

Iran is hoping Torabi will be available for their second Group G match against Belgium, scheduled for Sunday in Los Angeles. The team is also set to face Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. Torabi did not play in the opening match against New Zealand, which ended in a 2-2 draw. The team had initially planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, but altered their plans due to the geopolitical climate, opting instead to set up camp in Tijuana, Mexico.

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The Federation has initiated the procedures to obtain a new visa for him so that he can accompany the national team in their upcoming matches.