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Iranian players receive US visas for World Cup after standoff

2 sources · 06 Jun 2026 · Share coverage ·

verbatim from the press

Iranian national team players received the necessary visas to enter the United States and compete in the World Cup, a White House official told Reuters on Friday (5). The clearance came just ten days before the team's debut in Los Angeles, amid the armed conflict between the two countries.

Press quotes (1)
G1

"Os jogadores do Irã que disputarão a Copa do Mundo receberam vistos para entrar nos Estados Unidos, disse um funcionário da Casa Branca à Reuters nesta sexta-feira (5), apenas 10 dias antes da estreia da equipe em Los Angeles, em meio ao conflito entre os dois países."

The visa decision occurred during the early morning hours, according to Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, who had stated Thursday night (4) that the delegation was still awaiting the documents. The United States has not yet issued visas for some members of Iran's technical and administrative staff, Fars agency reported.

Press quotes (2)
G1

"Abolfazl Pasandideh, embaixador do Irã no México, disse na noite de quinta-feira (4) que a equipe ainda não havia recebido seus vistos americanos, mas que estes foram concedidos durante a noite"

G1

"Os Estados Unidos ainda não emitiram vistos para alguns membros da equipe técnica e administrativa da seleção iraniana, informou a agência de notícias semioficial Fars nesta sexta-feira."

Facing uncertainties about entry into the United States, the Iranian federation transferred its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. The delegation is scheduled to land in the Mexican city early Sunday morning (7). Iran will play its first Group G match on June 15 against New Zealand in Los Angeles.

Press quotes (3)
G1

"Teerã negociou, em cima da hora, a transferência da base da equipe do Arizona para Tijuana, no México, devido a problemas com vistos"

G1

"A delegação iraniana tem previsão de pousar em Tijuana no início da manhã de domingo (7)"

G1

"O Irã disputará sua primeira partida do Grupo G em 15 de junho contra a Nova Zelândia, em Los Angeles"

This is the first World Cup since its creation in 1930 in which a host country will receive a nation with which it is at war. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers on Tuesday (2) that the US would not allow the inclusion in the Iranian delegation of individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard — a measure that could affect players who completed mandatory military service in the organization.

Press quotes (2)
G1

"Esta é a primeira Copa do Mundo , desde sua criação em 1930, em que um país anfitrião receberá uma nação com a qual está em guerra."

G1

"o secretário de Estado Marco Rubio disse a parlamentares na terça-feira (2) que os EUA não permitiriam que o Irã incluísse em sua delegação para a Copa do Mundo indivíduos ligados à Guarda Revolucionária Islâmica"

1. What we know (2)

Iran will move its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico

2 sources A Tarde G1

This is the first World Cup since 1930 with host country at war with participant

2 sources A Tarde G1
2. Where coverage thins out (2)

Covered by only some sources, or where the accounts diverge.

Covered by only some sources (2)

Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj was denied entry to the draw in Washington

Reported by: G1
Did not cover: A Tarde

Iranian ambassador stated that World Cup participation demonstrates pursuit of peace

Reported by: G1
Did not cover: A Tarde
3. What we don't know yet (3)
  • How many and which technical and administrative staff members still haven't received visas?

    Why it's still unknown: Fars agency did not specify the number or identity of members without visas

  • Do any Iranian national team players have Revolutionary Guard ties that could affect their participation?

    Why it's still unknown: No source identified specific players or confirmed if any were affected by the American restriction

    Did not cover: A Tarde G1
  • What was the strongest argument from the Iranian side to justify participation in the tournament on American soil?

    Why it's still unknown: Sources present only general diplomatic statements about seeking peace, without detailed argumentation

All sources

2