Iran's World Cup Team Cleared for US Travel Amid Visa Tensions
WHO:
AP News - Members of Iran’s World Cup soccer team, U.S. officials, U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack.
AP News - Iran’s national team, Iranian soccer federation, Iranian sports minister.
WHAT:
Daily Mail Sports - Up to 14 members of the Iranian soccer team's staff and officials are still without visas to attend the games in Los Angeles and Seattle.
AP News - The Iranian team has been preparing for the World Cup at a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, before departing for Tijuana.
AP News - It was reported that the Iranian team could receive their passports back as early as Friday or Saturday to allow them to travel.
AP News - A U.S. official stated that visas had been issued for players, coaches, trainers, and some support staff of the Iranian team.
AP News - A third official indicated that some applicants affiliated with the team had been rejected for requesting visas “under false pretenses.”
AP News - The Iranian team finalized its roster, including 17 home-based players whose clubs have not played since February due to the war.
AP News - Star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped from the team in March reportedly due to a social media post that angered Iranian authorities during the war.
AP News - Iran’s World Cup soccer team has been granted visas to enter the United States.
AP News - Up to 14 members of the staff and officials were initially without visas.
AP News - The Iranian team is set to play three group matches in the United States.
AP News - Iran plays its first two games against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, then faces Egypt on June 26.
AP News - If both Iran and the U.S. place second in their groups, they could meet in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.
WHERE:
AP News - The Iranian team is training in Tijuana, Mexico, and will play matches in Inglewood, California, and Seattle, Washington.
AP News - The team moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana due to visa processing issues.
WHEN:
AP News - The Iranian team’s first two matches are scheduled for June 15 and June 21, with a third match on June 26.
AP News - The potential match between Iran and the U.S. is set for July 3.
WHY:
NY Post - The Iranian Football Federation accused the U.S. of “vindictive behavior” for denying visas to crucial team members.
AP News - Iran's sports minister had previously stated in March that it would “not be possible” for the team to participate in the World Cup, but the soccer federation announced in May that it was moving ahead with a team.
AP News - The team’s participation has been complicated by Iran’s war with Israel and the United States.
AP News - President Trump had previously discouraged Iran from participating in the tournament, citing concerns over players’ “life and safety.”
HOW:
AP News - The Iranian team received visas from Mexico’s embassy in Ankara before departing for Tijuana.
AP News - U.S. officials confirmed that all players on the Iranian team were approved for visas and were in the process of receiving them.
AP News - The U.S. Embassy in Ankara processed the visas for the Iranian team.
(UPDATED June 6, 2026 23:15 UTC)
Up to 14 members of the Iranian soccer team's staff and officials are still without visas to attend the upcoming games in Los Angeles and Seattle, which has raised concerns ahead of the World Cup. The team has been preparing at a training camp in Antalya, Turkey, and they could receive their passports back as early as Friday or Saturday to facilitate their travel. The Iranian Football Federation has accused the U.S. of "vindictive behavior" for denying these crucial visas.
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(UPDATED June 6, 2026 21:16 UTC)
The Iranian soccer team has received visas from Mexico’s embassy in Ankara, allowing them to depart for Tijuana ahead of their upcoming participation in the World Cup. While the team finalized its roster, including 17 home-based players whose clubs have been inactive since February due to the war, some applicants affiliated with the team were denied visas for requesting them under false pretenses. Notably, star forward Sardar Azmoun was dropped from the team in March after a social media post angered Iranian authorities during the ongoing conflict.
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(UPDATED June 6, 2026 17:18 UTC)
Iran's World Cup soccer team has been granted visas to enter the United States, allowing all players and staff to participate in the tournament after initial visa issues. The team, currently training in Tijuana, Mexico, is set to play three group matches, starting with games against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a match against Egypt on June 26. If both Iran and the U.S. secure second place in their respective groups, they could face off in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.