The United States has reportedly declined to issue visas to 15 members of Iran’s delegation ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026, creating uncertainty for part of the country’s administrative team as preparations for the tournament continue.
According to a report by AFP, Iranian state television said visas have been granted to members of the national football team and coaching staff. However, visa applications for 15 officials associated with the team’s management and administrative operations remain unresolved.
A correspondent for Iranian state television, reporting from the team’s training camp in Antalya, Türkiye, said players and technical staff have received the necessary travel documents, while several administrative members of the delegation have not yet been cleared to travel to the United States.
World Cup preparations underway
The development comes as Iran continues its preparations for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The national team is currently holding a training camp in Türkiye ahead of the tournament.
Iran is scheduled to play all of its group-stage matches in the United States, while the team’s base camp has been established in Mexico.
No official explanation issued
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
As of now, US authorities have not publicly explained the reported delay or refusal of visas for the affected members of the Iranian delegation.
The status of the visa applications remains unclear, and no official timeline has been announced for a final decision.
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