Iran Faces Visa Barriers for World Cup Officials as Players Secure Entry

A significant diplomatic hurdle has emerged for Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, with roughly a dozen football federation administrators still lacking authorization to enter the United States as the tournament begins Thursday.

An ambassador speaking to media representatives in Tijuana disclosed that 15 officials from Iran's Football Federation have been unable to secure the necessary entry visas. Among those without approval are Federation President Mehdi Taj and the national team's logistics director, according to reports from Iranian news outlets.

The situation stands in stark contrast to the Iranian playing squad itself. All roster members have successfully obtained visas permitting entry into Mexico, where the tournament is being jointly held with the United States and Canada. Notably, all of Iran's group matches are scheduled to take place on American soil.

This development follows an earlier decision by the Iranian Federation. In May, the organization announced it would relocate the national team's preparation facilities from Arizona to Tijuana, a Mexican border city situated south of San Diego.

Iran's World Cup campaign will commence June 15 with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The squad will subsequently compete against Belgium on June 21 in the same city, followed by a final group fixture against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle, Washington.