Iran staff denied visas 5 days to World Cup

Iran has revealed to the public that some of its officials have been denied entry visa to the US to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada. According to a post by Iran Embassy in South Africa, the US is failing to fulfill its responsibilities by denying its […]

Iran has revealed to the public that some of its officials have been denied entry visa to the US to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.

According to a post by Iran Embassy in South Africa, the US is failing to fulfill its responsibilities by denying its officials documents to join the team.

The development comes five days before the start of the 2026 World Cup, and nine days to Iran’s first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Iran and US have been embroiled in a bitter conflict for months, and the Persians had previously threatened to stay away from the foremost global football tournament they are set to feature in for a seventh time.

Iranian local news had revealed the officials denied visas include Executive Director Mehdi Kharati, the secretary general of the soccer federation, Hedayat Mombini, and Media Director, Mohsen Motamedkia, and this prompted the scathing response in which Iran claimed its contingent is a guest of FIFA, not US.

“The incompetent @FIFAWorldCup host, USA, is failing to fulfill its responsibilities properly. We are guests of @FIFAcom, and it is FIFA’s responsibility to ensure that visas for all members are issued.”

The country’s football authority also told local media that the team and its officials will travel to Mexico, and hopes the visa issued would be resolved before their US entry.

Iran have been placed in Group G alongside Egypt, Belgium, and New Zealand, and will play all its matches in the US.