The United States is steadfast in maintaining its stringent visa requirements for Iran’s soccer team, emphasizing its commitment to preventing any potential security threats. The US has reiterated that it will not permit any attempts to clandestinely introduce terrorists into the nation.
This decision, deemed controversial, has led to significant backlash. The US State Department has denied entry to approximately 15 Iranian officials for the World Cup. Furthermore, it has mandated that those traveling to the US for the team’s three group stage matches must both arrive and leave on the same day.
On Sunday, the Iranian team arrived at their training base in Mexico, having to relocate due to escalating tensions with the US.
One official remarked, “In tournaments like these, ethical and humanitarian principles are typically prioritized over technical issues, which unfortunately, hasn’t been the case for us.”
FIFA has yet to issue a statement regarding the situation, despite growing concerns that it could potentially compromise the tournament’s integrity.
Iran captain Ehsan Hajsafi is angry at how his team has been treated before the World Cup
The team’s coach, Amir Ghalenoei, has backed his side to progress far in the tournament
When approached by the Daily Mail, the US State Department reiterated its previous statement, asserting, “Visas required for Iran’s participation in the World Cup, including those for athletes and essential staff, have been issued. We will not permit any misuse of this process to covertly bring terrorists into the United States under deceptive claims.”
Ghalenoei, who said he was confident his side would progress from the group stages, added: ‘We are upset about this behaviour. It has certainly never happened before.’
Iran captain, Ehsan Hajsafi, said he wanted to complain to FIFA over a delay in receiving the visas. ‘Why so late?’ he asked. ‘In the last year, we experienced two imposed wars in our country.’
Iran play twice in Los Angeles and once in Seattle, with their first game against New Zealand on June 15. Belgium and Egypt are also in their group.
Should the restrictions stand they will be unable to comply with FIFA requirements including the necessity to hold a press conference in the stadium a day before the game.
More importantly, the demand to enter and leave the country on gameday could significantly hamper preparation and recovery.
Iranian state-linked media said the 15 included the head of the football federation, his deputy, and a media director. The competition starts on 11 June. Iran qualified in March 2025, close to a year before the US and Israel began its attacks.
Iran and the U.S. could meet in the round of 32 if both teams come second in their groups.
Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis said: ‘The Department of Homeland Security is steadfast in our commitment to the safety and security of the American people and attendees of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin’s leadership, this will be the greatest and safest sporting event in history.
Trump called for calm between Iran and Israel on Sunday after Iran had fired missiles
‘DHS is intricately involved in the whole of government approach securing the 11 host city sites across the nation, including Los Angeles.’
It comes as Iran launched missiles at Israel on Sunday, retaliating on strikes in Beirut.
President Trump called for calm between the two nations and said he would tell Israel not to hit back.
‘We’re very close,’ the president told Fox News about his progress on a landmark peace deal. ‘I would say an agreement would be signed on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of this coming week. And now this takes place.’
Addressing Iran, he said: ‘You’ve shot your missiles, that’s enough. Get back to the table and make a deal.’
