Iran’s World Cup soccer team granted U.S visas ahead of tournament, official confirms
Iran’s national soccer team has been issued visas allowing players to enter the United States and compete in the upcoming World Cup, a U.S. official confirmed.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio said during congressional testimony earlier this week that the administration had “no problem” approving visas for Iran’s team. However, he stressed that U.S. authorities would closely monitor entries to prevent individuals linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps from joining the delegation under non-sporting roles.
Rubio said the government would not permit “people that we know have nothing to do with athletics” or those with ties to the IRGC to be embedded with the team, adding that screening would be closely enforced.
U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack later praised embassy staff in Ankara for processing the visas, writing on social media that he was proud of their work supporting Iran’s national team’s participation in the tournament in the United States. He also said “sports transcends borders” and expressed anticipation for welcoming international teams and fans.
The Iranian squad is expected to play matches in the United States but may be based in Mexico during the tournament due to complications linked to U.S. sanctions.
Earlier this year, Iran’s sports minister suggested the country might withdraw from the global competition amid heightened regional tensions, though that position later shifted after a ceasefire took effect in April.
Officials from Iran’s Football Federation confirmed the national team’s qualification and participation rights, and FIFA leadership later affirmed that Iran would compete in the tournament, including games hosted in the United States.
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