Iran Pushes FIFA for Special U.S. Visa Arrangement Ahead of 2026 World Cup
Iran’s football federation has confirmed that it expects FIFA to help secure multiple-entry visas for the Iranian national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, amid ongoing political tensions and travel concerns involving the United States and Iran.
The request comes as preparations intensify for the biggest FIFA World Cup in history, which will feature 48 teams for the first time. Iran, popularly known as “Team Melli,” has already qualified for the tournament and is expected to play all three of its Group G matches inside the United States.
Speaking through Iranian state media, Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj stated that FIFA is expected to ensure the players and officials receive visas that would allow them to move freely between the United States and Mexico during the competition.
According to Taj, the arrangement is necessary because Iran has now finalized plans to base its World Cup training camp in Tijuana, Mexico, rather than in the United States. The decision reportedly followed concerns surrounding security, travel logistics, and possible complications with U.S. immigration procedures.
“FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter the United States and return to Mexico,” Taj said while addressing Iranian media reports.
The development highlights one of the major geopolitical challenges surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, especially as relations between Tehran and Washington remain strained. Recent regional instability and diplomatic tensions have raised uncertainty about how Iranian players, staff, journalists, and supporters will be treated during the tournament.
Initially, Iran planned to establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona, but FIFA later approved a relocation to Tijuana, Mexico, after discussions between Iranian football authorities and tournament organizers. Reports indicate that the Mexican base was chosen partly because it would simplify border movement while allowing the team to travel into the United States only for matches.
Iran’s federation also believes the Mexico arrangement could reduce visa-related complications and provide smoother travel options for the squad. The move additionally allows the possibility of direct Iran Air flights into Mexico rather than relying entirely on U.S.-based travel routes.
The issue of visas has already created controversy in the buildup to the tournament. Earlier reports revealed that Mehdi Taj himself had previously encountered visa difficulties regarding travel to the United States for FIFA-related events. That situation fueled concerns inside Iran that politics could affect football participation despite FIFA’s long-standing message that the sport should unite nations regardless of political differences.
Despite the uncertainty, FIFA officials have repeatedly insisted that all qualified nations will participate in the tournament. Iranian sports authorities recently stated that FIFA assured them players and officials would receive the required travel documents to compete in the World Cup.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran has been drawn into Group G, where they are expected to face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage. Two of those matches are reportedly set to take place in Los Angeles, while another will be played in Seattle.
Iran’s participation has become one of the tournament’s most politically sensitive storylines, especially as global attention focuses on immigration policies, security concerns, and diplomatic tensions ahead of the competition.
For now, however, Iranian football authorities insist preparations are moving forward smoothly.
“It is certain now that we will go to Mexico. The team is preparing,” Taj added.
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