US yet to issue visas for Iranian football staff ahead of World Cup

Iran's national football team is facing logistical hurdles ahead of the FIFA World Cup after several technical and administrative staff members failed to secure US entry visas, according to a report by Fars News Agency on Friday. The delays affect coaching and support personnel who are essential to the team's operations, even as players have reportedly received their travel documents.

Earlier media reports indicated that Iranian players had secured entry permits roughly ten days before their opening fixture in Los Angeles, according to a White House official. The US Embassy has so far declined to issue the remaining documents to certain coaching personnel, complicating the delegation's travel arrangements.

Preparations in Türkiye

The Iranian squad has been holding its pre-World Cup training camp in the resort city of Antalya in Türkiye since May 19, utilizing top-tier facilities to prepare for the competition. Iranian officials confirmed earlier that the players had received Mexican visas, clearing their entry to the base camp in Tijuana, though all three Group G fixtures are scheduled to take place on American soil.

Tournament logistics

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark the first edition to feature 48 teams competing across three host nations. Iran's group stage campaign is set to open in Los Angeles, with the squad traveling directly from its camp in Antalya to face its first opponent on American soil.