US Visa Hurdles Pose Challenge to Irans World Cup Aspirations
May 21, 2026 • Al Jazeera
US Visa Delays Impact Iran’s World Cup Team Ahead of 2026 Tournament
Players from Iran’s national football team have arrived in Turkey to apply for US visas, which will be required for their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The visa application process has been ongoing, with some players still awaiting approval.
According to reports, the Iranian team is scheduled to participate in the tournament, but the delay in obtaining US visas may pose a challenge to their preparations. The exact timeline for when the visas will be issued remains unclear.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. As part of the tournament’s requirements, players from participating countries are required to obtain US visas before their participation.
Iran has been a member of the FIFA World Cup since its inception in 1930. The country has participated in several tournaments, including the 2018 World Cup held in Russia.
The Iranian team is expected to face stiff competition at the 2026 tournament, with many top-ranked teams participating. The US visa delay may impact the team’s ability to prepare for the tournament, but it remains to be seen how this will affect their chances of success.
As the application process continues, the Iranian team will need to wait and see when they will receive their US visas. Once approved, they will be able to focus on preparing for the 2026 World Cup.
Source: Al Jazeera