Iran Says US Denies Entry to Key World Cup Staff

Iran has accused the United States of refusing visas to several members of its national football team's support staff, despite Washington confirming that players and essential personnel have been cleared to travel for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

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The dispute emerged just 10 days before Iran's opening match against Belgium? Actually opening fixture is in Los Angeles on 15 June; avoid error. Let's rewrite correctly.

Visa Row Ahead of Tournament

US officials said on Friday that visas had been granted to all Iranian players and the support staff considered necessary for participation in the tournament. However, they added that Iran would not be permitted to use the process to bring individuals into the country under false pretences, including anyone linked to terrorism.

Iran's embassy in Turkey rejected the US position, accusing Washington of political interference in sport. The embassy said a significant number of managerial, executive and technical staff had been denied visas.

State-linked Iranian media reported that 15 officials were refused entry, including the president of Iran's football federation, his deputy and the team's media director.

Team Travels Via Mexico

Iran's squad departed its training camp in Turkey on Saturday and travelled to Mexico, where the team will be based during the World Cup. The players were expected to arrive early on Sunday following a journey of about 20 hours.

According to Iran's ambassador to Mexico, the visa conditions require the team to enter and leave the United States on the same day as each match.

In a statement, Iranian officials described the US announcement as a "whitewash" and claimed the treatment of the national team had become increasingly discriminatory. The embassy also called on FIFA to intervene in the dispute.

First World Cup During Wartime

The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, begins on 11 June. Iran secured qualification in March 2025 by topping its qualifying group.

The tournament marks the first time a World Cup host nation will receive the team of a country with which it is at war.

Iran relocated its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Mexico in late May as tensions between the two countries continued.

US Security Concerns

The US Department of Homeland Security did not clarify whether additional restrictions would apply to Iranian players or officials during their stay in the country. However, it said it remained committed to ensuring the safety of both the American public and World Cup attendees.

The department also said it was working across government agencies to secure all 11 host cities in the United States, including Los Angeles.

Earlier in the week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that members of Iran's delegation with links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would not be allowed to enter the country.

Several players in Iran's squad have previously completed mandatory military service involving the organisation.

Iran are scheduled to play their group-stage matches in Los Angeles, California and Seattle during the tournament.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 7 June 2026

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