Iran Accuses United States Over FIFA World Cup Visa Dispute

[Mahmud]

Iran has accused the United States of preventing some of its football officials from participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup by refusing to grant them visas. The Iranian government said the action goes against the responsibilities expected of a host nation for an international sporting event.

In a statement shared on social media, Iran's embassy criticized the United States and urged FIFA to intervene. Iranian officials argued that all accredited members of participating teams should be allowed to enter the host country and take part in World Cup activities without unnecessary restrictions.

The visa issue has increased concerns about Iran's participation in the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The controversy comes at a time of growing political tensions between Washington and Tehran, creating uncertainty around travel and security arrangements.

Reports indicate that Mexico agreed to host Iran's national football team during the competition after the United States reportedly declined to allow the team to remain overnight on American soil. Mexican authorities confirmed that Iran would be welcomed to stay in Mexico between matches if needed.

As a result, Iran's football federation announced that FIFA approved a plan for the team to operate from a base in Mexico during the tournament. The location will help the players rest, train, and prepare between matches scheduled to take place in different cities.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, the visa dispute has raised questions about equal access for all participating nations. Many observers believe FIFA will face increasing pressure to ensure that every qualified team, along with its officials, can fully participate in the world's biggest football tournament.

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