Iran says U.S. denied visas to World Cup delegation members

Iran's national football team faces new hurdles for the 2026 World Cup, as its football federation alleges the United States denied entry visas to several key delegation members. While the players received their visas, officials including the general secretary, executive director, and communication director were reportedly excluded.

“

The U.S. government, continuing its hostile actions against the national team of our beloved nation, has rejected, in a non-sporting and entirely political decision, to issue visas to key members of the management and administrative staff of the national team.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFRI) issued a strong statement condemning the U.S. government's actions. They described the decision as "non-sporting and entirely political," accusing the U.S. of violating international sports regulations and engaging in "deliberate discriminatory treatment."

“

This decision is contrary to international sports regulations.

The FFRI stated its intention to pursue the issue through FIFA, emphasizing the organization's duty to guarantee visas for all team personnel. The federation highlighted the urgent need for these individuals' presence, calling the U.S. decision a "political interference in sport in the worst possible way."

“

This matter will certainly be pursued by the Football Federation through FIFA, who in turn has the duty to ensure that visas are issued for the management, executive, technical, and support staff.

This incident adds to the team's logistical challenges. The "Team Melli" previously had to relocate their base camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. Despite these issues, their World Cup matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.

“

This decision is a deliberate discriminatory treatment and political interference in sport in the worst possible way.