U.S. Visa Limits Leave Part Of Iran World Cup Staff Sidelined
Iran's embassy in Turkey said on June 7, 2026 that U.S. officials denied visas to large portions of Iran's World Cup managerial and technical staff, sidelining them ahead of matches in the United States.[1]
A Trump administration official told MS NOW that visas needed for Iran to compete, including for athletes and essential support staff, had been issued.[1] The same official warned the U.S. would not let Iran "sneak terrorists into the United States." MS NOW The Associated Press reported at least 14 Iranian team staff and officials, including the federation's secretary-general and vice president, had not received U.S. visas.[1]
Visa problems forced Iran to move its World Cup training base from the United States to Mexico.[1] Iran is still scheduled to play group matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21, and another match in Seattle.[1] Iranian officials say the visa denials violate FIFA rules and U.S. duties as a World Cup co-host, and they call the denials discriminatory and politically driven.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On June 7, 2026, Iran's embassy in Turkey said visas were denied to large portions of the national team's managerial, executive and technical staff ahead of the World Cup.
- A Trump administration official told MS NOW that visas needed for Iran to compete, including for athletes and essential support staff, had been issued, but warned the U.S. would not let Iran 'sneak terrorists into the United States.'
- The Associated Press reported at least 14 Iranian team staff and officials, including the federation's secretary-general and vice president, had not received U.S. visas.
- Visa problems led Iran to move its World Cup training base from the U.S. to Mexico, though Iran is still scheduled to play two group matches in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 and another in Seattle.
- Iranian officials accuse the U.S. of violating FIFA rules and its duties as a World Cup co-host, characterizing the visa denials as discriminatory and politically driven.
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