Iran's World Cup team granted visas for U.S. gamesgranted visas for U.S. games
The United States has granted visas to Iran's World Cup players and staff, ending a last-minute dispute that had left the squad in limbo before its first matches in Los Angeles later this month.
The issue drew attention because it came amid deep tensions between Washington and Tehran and raised concerns about whether the team could travel and operate normally during the tournament.
U.S. Officials
U.S. officials said the team could enter for the tournament while still screening individual delegation members. They also said people linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps would not be admitted.
Iranian Team and Officials
Iranian officials had been preparing contingency plans, including moving the team base to Mexico. They said the squad should be allowed to compete without political pressure affecting its travel or preparations.
Trump Administration Context
President Donald Trump had previously questioned whether Iran's participation was appropriate. That stance added uncertainty around the visas and made the tournament a rare flashpoint in wider U.S.-Iran tensions.
- Iran first qualified for the men's World Cup in 1978.
- The 2026 tournament is the first World Cup jointly hosted by three countries.
- Los Angeles has hosted several major international finals, including the 1994 World Cup final.
US-Iran Ceasefire War
The United States launched military strikes against Iran on June 26, 2026, in response to a drone attack on a commercial cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, calling it a "foolish violation" of the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed just days earlier[2][4][14].
26 June, 09:35 PM
US launches strikes against Iran following commercial ship attack26 June, 04:47 PM
Trump calls Iran drone attack on cargo ship a ceasefire violation
