US to grant multiple-entry visas to Iranian soccer team ahead of World Cup

Iran’s Football Federation Announces Visa Arrangements for World Cup Delegation

The Iranian football delegation will be based in Tijuana, Mexico, with all three group stage matches to take place in the United States. According to FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, the team requires multiple-entry visas for their fixtures in the US.

Taj stated that he expects the US government to issue visas for the World Cup squad and support staff, citing the need for frequent travel between the US and Mexico due to the team’s relocation from the US to Mexico. The Iranian delegation has not yet received US visas, with some members having attended visa appointments in Turkey earlier this week.

The team had initially planned to be based in Tucson, Arizona, but later requested a change. FIFA confirmed the relocation of the team’s base camp from the US to Mexico upon their request. Iran will play three group stage matches in the US: against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, California, and against Belgium six days later, followed by a match against Egypt on June 21 in Seattle, Washington state.

FFIRI president Mehdi Taj emphasized that all team base camps must be approved by FIFA. He attributed the approval of their request to change the team’s base from the US to Mexico to meetings with FIFA officials and the secretary general. The World Cup is scheduled to take place from June 11 through July 19, cohosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.

Source: Al Jazeera