The United States has reportedly refused to issue visas to 15 members of Iran’s World Cup delegation, raising concerns ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which the U.S. will co-host alongside Canada and Mexico.
According to Iranian state television on Saturday, visas have been granted to the national team’s players and technical staff. However, 15 members of the delegation’s administrative and management team have yet to receive approval to enter the United States.
“Visas have been issued for the national team and the technical staff, and there are 15 members of the administration and management whose visas are problematic and have not been issued by the U.S.,” a state television reporter said from Antalya, Turkey, where the Iranian squad is currently holding a training camp.
The development comes as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with questions emerging over travel arrangements for officials associated with participating nations.
Neither U.S. authorities nor FIFA had immediately commented on the reported visa issues at the time of filing this report.
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