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Iran’s football federation is pressing FIFA to help secure multiple-entry visas for the United States less than two weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with officials warning that travel procedures remain one of the team’s biggest concerns ahead of the tournament.
Federation President Mehdi Taj said the team needs guarantees that players and staff will be able to move between host countries without delays or restrictions during the competition.
"FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter (the United States) and return (to Mexico)," Taj said in comments carried by Iranian media. Taj also noted that Iran had already submitted the required tournament documents and requests, with coordination continuing with officials in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
Iran had initially planned to set up its World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but later switched preparations to Tijuana, Mexico. Taj previously explained that the move aimed to avoid possible visa complications and allow the squad to travel directly to Mexico on Iran Air flights.
"It is certain now that we will go to Mexico. The team is preparing," Taj explained.
Members of the Iranian squad traveled from their training camp in the Turkish resort city of Antalya, where the team has been training since May 19, ahead of the tournament, to Ankara last week to submit visa applications at the U.S. Embassy.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the U.S., Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, with Iran set to play all three Group G matches in the U.S. Team Melli opens against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle later in the group stage.
Visa concerns have intensified as U.S. and Canadian authorities scrutinize some Iranian players, staff and federation officials over past mandatory military service linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both countries classify as a terrorist organization.
The issue drew wider attention in April when Taj and several Iranian officials were stopped and questioned at the Toronto Pearson Airport over alleged IRGC ties while traveling to the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, before ultimately returning to Türkiye.
U.S. authorities have also reportedly declined to allow the Iranian team to stay overnight in the country during the tournament, leading organizers to move Iran’s base camp to neighboring Mexico despite all Group G matches being scheduled in the U.S.
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