Iran Criticizes US for Hindering Soccer Team's World Cup Journey

WHO:

CNN - Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s football federation

CNN - Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Iran's soccer team

CNN - Iranian Embassy in Ankara

CNN - US administration official

WHAT:

CNN - The Iranian football federation plans to submit a protest to FIFA regarding the US visa situation, calling it "truly strange" that Washington was interfering in the administration of the sporting event.

CNN - The Iranian soccer team is expected to have their matches shown in cinemas across Iran, subject to the “necessary approvals,” according to Iranian state media organization IRIB.

CNN - The Iranian Embassy in Ankara stated that the US was “depriving Iran’s national team of its right to participate in the World Cup under normal conditions and without unnecessary pressure and stress.”

CNN - Some management staff, media personnel, and an executive director of the Iranian team have not received permission to attend the tournament.

CNN - The Iranian soccer team is expected to have their matches shown in cinemas across Iran, subject to the “necessary approvals,” according to Iranian state media organization IRIB.

CNN - Iran’s soccer team arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the World Cup.

CNN - The Iranian soccer team was granted permission to enter the US for the tournament, but only one day before their first match.

CNN - Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the World Cup.

CNN - The Iranian football federation plans to submit a protest to FIFA regarding the US visa situation.

CNN - Some management staff, media personnel, and an executive director of the Iranian team have not received permission to attend the tournament.

WHERE:

CNN - The Iranian soccer team landed in Tijuana, Mexico, near the US border.

CNN - The matches will take place in Los Angeles and Seattle, USA.

WHEN:

CNN - Iran is scheduled to face New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26.

WHY:

CNN - Iran's football federation accused the US of obstruction and unfair treatment regarding visa issuance.

CNN - The US administration official stated that they would not allow the Iranian team to misuse the visa system to bring in terrorists.

CNN - Iran's football federation accused the US of obstruction and unfair treatment regarding visa issuance.

CNN - The US administration official stated that they would not allow the Iranian team to misuse the visa system to bring in terrorists.

HOW:

CNN - The Iranian team will enter the US using a multiple-entry visa, arriving one day before their first match and two days before each subsequent match.

CNN - The Iranian team will enter the US using a multiple-entry visa, arriving one day before their first match and two days before each of the next two matches, as reported by the Iranian semi-official Tasnim news agency.

CNN - The Iranian team will enter the US using a multiple-entry visa, arriving one day before their first match and two days before each subsequent match.

(UPDATED June 8, 2026 01:38 UTC)

The Iranian football federation is set to submit a protest to FIFA over the US visa situation, expressing concerns about Washington's interference in the sporting event. The Iranian Embassy in Ankara has claimed that the US is depriving Iran's national team of their right to participate in the World Cup without unnecessary pressure, as some team management and media personnel have not received permission to attend. Meanwhile, the Iranian team plans to enter the US with a multiple-entry visa, arriving one day before their first match and two days before each subsequent match.

(UPDATED June 7, 2026 23:16 UTC)

The Iranian football federation is set to submit a protest to FIFA, expressing concerns over what they describe as "truly strange" interference from Washington regarding the US visa situation. In addition, the Iranian soccer team is expected to have their matches broadcast in cinemas across Iran, pending the necessary approvals. According to reports, the team will arrive in the US on a multiple-entry visa, entering one day before their first match and two days before each of the subsequent matches.

(UPDATED June 7, 2026 21:16 UTC)

Iran’s soccer team has arrived in Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the World Cup, where they are set to face New Zealand on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26. The Iranian football federation plans to submit a protest to FIFA regarding the US visa situation, as some management staff and media personnel have not received permission to attend the tournament. A US administration official stated that the team will enter the US using a multiple-entry visa, but they were only granted permission one day before their first match due to concerns about potential misuse of the visa system.