Iran accuses US of denying visas to key soccer team staff ahead of FIFA World Cup

TEHRAN, IRAN: Iran has accused the US of blocking key members of its national soccer team from entering the country just days before the FIFA World Cup, calling it “the worst possible form of politically biased interference in sport.”

This diplomatic row represents the latest escalation in the conflict between the two nations that has been ongoing since large-scale military hostilities broke out in late February.

Iran blasts US for extending 'whimsical hostilities' into the realm of sport

The friction intensified following a social media exchange between the Iranian embassy in Turkey and US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack.

After Barrack praised the visa processing efforts for the Iranian squad, the Iranian embassy retorted sharply, claiming the US was engaging in politically motivated obstruction.

The embassy said, “By extending your whimsical hostilities against the Iranian nation into the realm of sport, the US government in practice is depriving Iran’s national team of its right to play in the World Cup under normal conditions and without undue pressure and stress.”

State Department defends visa process

Iran claims that a large portion of its managerial and executive staff, along with technical advisers, were rejected, writing, “You cannot whitewash conduct that violates FIFA regulations and breaches the United States’ host obligations merely by praising yourselves. Why do you not say that visas were denied to a large portion of the managerial and executive staff, technical advisers, and others who are an integral part of any national football team?”

They further added, "You have now escalated the deliberate and discriminatory treatment against Iran’s national football team to its highest level."

However, the US State Department has stated that “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued.” They justified their position by adding, “We will not allow the Iranian team to abuse this system to sneak te**orists into the United States under false pretenses.” 

Stance on Iran's participation in 2026 FIFA World Cup

The situation remains tense as the team prepares to play in the tournament.

While President Donald Trump previously expressed doubt about the appropriateness of Iran participating, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has maintained that Tehran should remain part of the event. 

Because of the ongoing war, the team has moved its base of operations from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico.