FIFA Assures US Visas For Iran During FIFA World Cup Despite Regional Tensions

Last Updated:May 25, 2026, 22:31 IST

Iran World Cup team bags US visas after FIFA pledge, will train in Tijuana and Antalya as they prepare to play in the United States this summer.

Iran’s sports minister has said that FIFA has promised the nation’s men’s football team will receive visas to play in the United States at the upcoming World Cup this summer, despite the ongoing West Asia war, local media reported on Monday.

Iran’s participation in the FIFA World Cup has faced prolonged uncertainty amidst the wider geopolitical crisis triggered by the United States and Israel strikes on Iran earlier this year, which escalated tensions across the region and disrupted travel and sporting preparations.

Iran will base their team in the Mexican border city of Tijuana for this year’s World Cup after FIFA approved a request to shift their training camp from Arizona.

“The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players shouldn’t receive visas. I hope that all the conditions will be met so that the national team can participate in the tournament in a calm and orderly manner," Ahmad Donyamali was quoted as saying by ISNA.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Monday said that the nation will permit Iran to be based there to avoid United States visa restrictions.

Donyamali said that the FIFA World Cup hosts were obliged to issue visas to all participating nations, including footballers and support staff.

“In Mexico, the Iranian national team is expected to obtain multiple-entry visas issued by the United States," Donyamali said.

At the FIFA Congress in Vancouver in April, president Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran would play their World Cup games in the United States as scheduled.

Iran are training in Antalya in southern Turkey, with some footballers visiting the United States embassy in Ankara on Thursday to submit visa applications ahead of the FIFA World Cup.

The tournament, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, kicks off on June 11.

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