Iran’s national football team has departed for Turkiye as preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensify — but one major issue remains unresolved: US visas for the squad and officials.

Iran’s national football team has travelled to Antalya, Turkiye, for a final friendly match before the 2026 FIFA World Cup — and also to complete their US visa applications, according to reports monitored by cbinews.tv.

Iranian media outlet Tasnim said the squad, made up of 22 home-based players and coaching staff, left on Monday ahead of their planned trip to the United States for the tournament.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei had earlier confirmed that the team would use the trip to Turkiye to process visa applications for entry into the US, one of the co-hosts of the 2026 World Cup.

Despite tensions between Tehran and Washington, US officials have repeatedly stated that Iran will be allowed to participate in the competition. FIFA has also maintained that the tournament will proceed as scheduled, dismissing suggestions from Iran that their matches should instead be moved to co-host nations Mexico or Canada.

The visa issue comes against the backdrop of rising geopolitical tensions. Although a ceasefire has paused recent fighting involving Iran, the US, and Israel, peace talks have reportedly stalled. Fresh drone attacks in Gulf countries and recent warnings from US President Donald Trump have also sparked fears that hostilities could resume.

Even after qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup months ago, Iran’s road to the tournament is still clouded by political tension and visa uncertainty with the United States.

Iran booked their place at the World Cup back in March 2025, but tensions between Tehran and Washington have only grown since then, especially after the United States launched two separate attacks on Iran.

Despite the situation, US officials say Iran will still be allowed to participate in the tournament. FIFA has also made it clear that the World Cup will go ahead as planned and dismissed suggestions from Iranian officials that their matches should be moved to co-host nations Mexico or Canada instead.

Speaking in late April, former US President Donald Trump appeared relaxed about the issue, saying, “I think let ’em play.”

However, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hinted that concerns may not be about the Iranian players themselves, but about some members of the delegation travelling with them. According to Rubio, some individuals could allegedly have links to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, which the US considers a terrorist organisation.

The tension has already affected football officials. Last month, representatives of Iran’s football federation reportedly cancelled a planned trip to the FIFA Congress in Canada after claiming they were “insulted” by Canadian immigration officers.

Still, Iran appear determined to stay focused on football as they continue preparations for the global tournament.

Source: cbinews.tv

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