After weeks of speculation and diplomatic tension, Iranian footballers have finally received US visas to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The White House confirmed that the players were granted approval ahead of their first match in Los Angeles. However, Iran reported that several technical and administrative officials have yet to obtain their visas, with the semi-official Fars News Agency claiming that the US has so far refused to issue them.

The issue gained attention after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, complained that team members had not received visas even ten days before the tournament. Against the backdrop of strained Iran-US relations following recent military actions involving the US and Israel, the World Cup has become a focal point of geopolitical discussion. Tehran had earlier sought to move its preparations and matches to co-host Mexico due to visa complications.

Despite the tensions, Iran’s ambassador said the team’s participation in the US demonstrates a commitment to peace. The team is scheduled to arrive in Tijuana, Mexico, for training before playing its first match against New Zealand on June 15.