Irans 2026 World Cup Squad Travels to Mexico Amid Visa Dispute

US Denies Visas to Key Staff of Iranian Football Team Ahead of World Cup

Iranian officials have confirmed that a significant number of key staff members from the country’s national football team will not be granted visas for their upcoming trip to Mexico, where they are set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team is scheduled to depart Turkey on Saturday and arrive in Mexico on Sunday.

According to Iranian embassy officials, a “large” number of key staff members, including football federation chief Mehdi Taj and Director Mehdi Kharati, have been denied visas. In response, the US Embassy in Ankara stated that it had processed visas for Iran’s national football team, but did not specify how many staff members were granted visas.

The Iranian Football Federation has expressed its disappointment with the US decision, stating that it “contradicts international sports laws” and will be pursued through FIFA. The federation has also accused the US of making a “non-sporting and completely political decision” to refuse visas for key managerial and administrative staff members.

FIFA has not yet responded to the situation. The Iranian team is set to play in Group G, with matches scheduled against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. They will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, but all three group stage matches are due to take place in the US.

The team’s departure was delayed due to tensions between Iran and the US, which have escalated since February 28. The Iranian team played a final friendly match on Thursday before departing for Mexico.

Source: Al Jazeera