Iran winger Torabi's US visa expired after one World Cup game

Iran's national football team faces a visa complication with winger Mehdi Torabi, whose United States visa reportedly expired after just one World Cup match. The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) announced that while multiple-entry visas were issued to the team, Torabi's was valid for a single entry. His visa expired following the team's World Cup opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

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While multiple-entry visas were issued for the team's players to travel to the United States, Torabi's visa was valid for only one entry.

Torabi, who did not play in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand, is noted as an ardent supporter of the Iranian government and has alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), a U.S.-designated "terrorist entity." The Iranian team commutes from their base in Tijuana, Mexico, for their matches, with the next game against Belgium scheduled for Sunday.

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Following the team's trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the completion of that game, his visa has now expired.

The FFIRI is actively working to secure a new visa for Torabi, emphasizing that he would need it by Saturday at the latest to participate in the upcoming match. This situation follows previous visa issues for Iranian officials, including 15 FFIRI personnel who were denied entry to the U.S. for the tournament. Coach Amir Ghalenoei has previously stated that tensions between Iran and the U.S. have "oppressed" his players and affected their performance.

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The Iran Football Federation has taken action to obtain a new visa for Torabi so that he can continue to accompany the national team in its upcoming matches.