Iran players granted U.S. visas, officials denied entry

Iran’s national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but several senior officials and support staff have reportedly been denied entry permits, sparking diplomatic tension.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack confirmed that visa processing for Iran’s players had been completed, praising embassy staff for their role in facilitating travel for the tournament.

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“Proud of our outstanding team at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for their work processing visas for Iran’s national football team on their road to the FIFA World Cup in the United States,” Barrack wrote on X. “Sports transcends borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world.”

Players Approved, Officials Left Out

The development follows earlier reports that Iranian players received entry clearance roughly 10 days before their opening match in Los Angeles.

However, Iranian officials later claimed that a “large portion” of team administrators, technical staff and support personnel were denied visas despite the approval granted to players.

Iran’s embassy in Türkiye criticised the decision, accusing Washington of discriminatory treatment.

“Why do you not say that visas were denied to a large portion of the managerial and executive staff, technical advisers, and others who are an integral part of any national football team?” the embassy said on X.

Security Concerns and Political Sensitivities

The visa delays had been a major concern for Iran, whose Group G matches are scheduled to take place in the United States.

Reports suggested some applications underwent additional scrutiny due to mandatory military service links with Iran’s armed forces, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and Canada.

The matter was previously raised in discussions between FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström and Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj during talks in Istanbul in May.

Iranian officials said all logistical issues had initially been resolved, although the latest visa denials have reignited tensions ahead of the tournament.

Officials Reportedly Among Those Affected

Iranian media reports indicated that those denied entry include Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, executive officials and team analysts.

Taj had also faced entry restrictions ahead of a FIFA Congress in Canada earlier this year over alleged links to the IRGC, highlighting ongoing complications surrounding Iranian football officials’ international travel.