Iran football team begins US visa process in Ankara

Iran's national football team on Thursday submitted visa applications at the US Embassy in Ankara, according to local media reports, as the squad prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Members of the Iranian squad arrived at the embassy in the Turkish capital to complete the necessary procedures. As they departed the building, players smiled when reporters asked whether their applications had been approved, though they offered no confirmation.

Training camp and procedures

The team has been holding a training camp in the Turkish resort city of Antalya since May 19. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19 across venues in the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, first vice president of the Iranian Football Federation, previously said that the squad would travel to Ankara to complete both US and Canadian visa procedures for all team members. He added that several foreign-based players were also expected to join the delegation for the process and other formalities, according to the reports.