Iran still awaiting World Cup visas, says FA president

Iran players are yet to receive visas for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj.

Speaking ahead of the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11, Taj said discussions with FIFA were ongoing as visa issues remain unresolved.

“The visa issue has still not been resolved,” Taj told state news agency IRNA.

“Tomorrow or the day after, we will have a decisive meeting with FIFA. They must give us guarantees. We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet,” he added.

Thousands of supporters gathered in Tehran on Wednesday to bid farewell to the national team before the tournament.

Iran are scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21 in Los Angeles, before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The team is expected to be based in Tucson, Arizona.

Political tensions between Iran and the United States have contributed to uncertainty surrounding the team’s participation, despite a reported month-long ceasefire between the two countries.

Last month, Gianni Infantino assured delegates at FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver that Iran would participate in the tournament.

“Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino stated.

Iran was the only nation absent from the FIFA congress after Iranian FA officials, including Taj, were denied entry into Canada. Taj later claimed the delegation decided to return home after what they described as disrespectful treatment by immigration authorities.

Canada’s immigration minister later revealed that Taj’s visa had been revoked mid-flight due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that Iranian players would be allowed entry for the tournament, although individuals connected to the IRGC could face restrictions.

The Iranian Football Federation has since submitted a list of conditions to FIFA for the country’s participation, including visa access for players, coaches and officials who previously completed military service with the IRGC.