WASHINGTON – Iranian soccer team members have successfully secured U.S. visas, according to two American officials on Friday. This approval enables them to travel from their training site in Tijuana, Mexico, to participate in their upcoming World Cup matches near Los Angeles this month.
The team’s journey to the World Cup has been fraught with challenges due to ongoing tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. Visa issues initially prompted the team to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, close to the California border.
According to one U.S. official, visas have been sanctioned for all Iranian players, with the process of issuance currently underway. Another official confirmed that not only players but also coaches, trainers, and some support staff have received visas. Both officials requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly on visa matters.
The second official did not specify if any visa applications from the Iranian contingent were rejected. Although it remains uncertain when the team will get their passports back to facilitate travel, the official hinted that it could happen as soon as Friday or Saturday.
Prior to heading to Tijuana, the squad held their training camp in Antalya, Turkey. The team reported they had already been granted visas from Mexico’s embassy in Ankara.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey, Tom Barrack, praised the efforts of the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for facilitating the visa process for the Iranian team. “Sports break down barriers, and we are excited to host athletes and fans from all over the world,” Barrack expressed in a social media update on Friday.
Iran plays its first two games in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium six days later, then heads to Seattle to face Egypt on June 26. Iran and the U.S. could meet in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas, if both teams place second in their groups.
President Donald Trump in March had discouraged Iran from participating in the tournament, saying he didn’t think it was “appropriate” and raising concerns over players’ “life and safety.” A day later, Iran’s national team pushed back, saying “no one can exclude” it from playing.
Iran finalized its team Monday, including 17 home-based players whose clubs have not played since February because of the war. Star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped in March, reportedly because of a social media post that angered Iranian authorities during the war.
Iran’s sports minister said in March that it would “not be possible” for the team to participate in the World Cup, but the republic’s soccer federation said in May it was moving ahead with a team. The federation had insisted that all players and staff be granted visas, including those who had military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
