U.S. confirms visa issuance for Iran's national team heading to World Cup 2026

The United States has officially confirmed that visas have been issued to Iran's national football team, removing any doubts about their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

This confirmation comes as a significant relief, particularly given the existing U.S. immigration restrictions imposed on Iranian citizens. These restrictions had cast uncertainty over whether the Iranian players would receive the necessary authorization to enter the United States, where they are scheduled to play their group stage matches.

The announcement was made by the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack. He expressed pride in the efforts of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for successfully processing the visas for the Iranian national team as they prepare for their journey to the World Cup.

"We are proud of our extraordinary team in the Embassy of the United States in Ankara for their work processing visas for the national soccer team of Iran on their way to the FIFA World Cup," Barrack wrote on social media, underscoring the diplomatic and logistical efforts involved in facilitating the team's travel.

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We are proud of our extraordinary team in the Embassy of the United States in Ankara for their work processing visas for the national soccer team of Iran on their way to the FIFA World Cup.