Iran’s place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup has come under uncertainty after its football authorities revealed that the national team is still awaiting U.S. visas, with the tournament just weeks away.
According to BBC Sport, Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj confirmed that no visas have been issued for players and officials, raising concerns over their planned travel to the United States, one of the co-host nations alongside Canada and Mexico.
Taj disclosed that urgent discussions with FIFA are imminent as Iran seeks firm assurances over the situation.
“Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow, we will have a decisive meeting with FIFA. They must give us guarantees, because the visa issue has still not been resolved.
“We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet,” Taj said
The Iranian squad is expected to play its group-stage matches in the United States, with fixtures scheduled in cities including Los Angeles and Seattle, while the team’s base is planned for Tucson, Arizona.
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The visa delay comes against a backdrop of strained political relations between Tehran and Washington, as well as stricter entry procedures affecting Iranian officials and individuals with alleged links to military institutions.
Despite the concerns, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly insisted that Iran will feature at the tournament.
“Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America,” Infantino said at a recent FIFA congress.
However, Iranian football authorities continue to press for formal guarantees from FIFA regarding visa approvals and the treatment of their delegation, citing fears that restrictions tied to alleged connections with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) could further complicate clearance processes.
With the countdown to the tournament ongoing, Iran maintains that it remains committed to participation but is pushing for urgent diplomatic and administrative clarity to avoid disruption to its World Cup campaign.
The visa uncertainty has now emerged as one of the most significant off-field issues ahead of football’s global showpiece event.