Just days ahead of the FIFA World Cup, the Iranian Embassy in South Africa has sharply criticized the United States, a co-host, for denying visas to key officials and support staff of Iran's national football team, calling on FIFA to ensure entry for all participants.
Did USA deny Iran VISA for World Cup 2026? Bombshell dropped
According to reports, US authorities have approved visas for all 26 Iranian players and some support staff ahead of the tournament. However, applications from more than a dozen officials, including technical, executive, media, and federation personnel, were rejected on security grounds amid longstanding tensions between the two countries.
In response, Iran has relocated its World Cup base camp from a planned site in Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. The team will train at facilities linked to local club Club Tijuana (Xolos) and make day trips across the border for its Group G matches, which are all scheduled in the United States. FIFA has confirmed the change.
The Iranian Football Federation and officials have described the visa rejections as discriminatory and a failure by the host nation to meet its obligations. They have appealed to FIFA to guarantee fair treatment and entry for all qualified teams and delegations.
The controversy highlights the challenges of the multi-nation hosting arrangement for the 2026 tournament involving the US, Canada, and Mexico, with geopolitical tensions spilling into sports logistics. Iran qualified for the expanded 48-team competition and is preparing amid the disruptions. Earlier, Iran had asked FIFA to shift the matches to Mexico amid the Middle East tensions; however, it was denied.
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