Iran submits World Cup passports to US Embassy in Ankara

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj announced on Tuesday that the national team had submitted its passports to the US Embassy in Ankara for World Cup visas, telling state television that the federation expects a decision within the next two days. Speaking to the broadcaster, Taj said FIFA had specifically requested that the documents be delivered to the Turkish capital, where the delegation is currently awaiting clearance before its scheduled departure for North America.

Taj expressed confidence that all members of the traveling party would receive the necessary permits, stating that his assessment was that visas would be issued for the entire squad. He added that the federation has informed FIFA of potential alternative arrangements should any applications be denied, though he did not elaborate on what specific measures the association might pursue in such circumstances.

Cross-border tournament logistics

The visa issue has emerged as a critical logistical hurdle for the Iranian side, which will be based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana throughout the tournament but must cross into the United States for all three of its Group G fixtures. The squad will open its campaign against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles on June 16 before facing Belgium at the same venue five days later, with its final group match against Egypt scheduled for June 26 at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Antalya camp and departure

The squad has been holding its pre-World Cup training camp in the Turkish resort city of Antalya since May 19, using the facilities to prepare for the tournament ahead of its Friday departure for Tijuana. Iranian officials confirmed earlier this week that the team has already secured Mexican visas and will travel directly from Türkiye to Mexico, where it will remain throughout the group phase before potentially advancing to knockout rounds hosted across all three nations.