Iran World Cup visa assurance grows after FIFA reportedly guarantees US visas for Iran’s team ahead of the 2026 World Cup in North America

Iran’s sports minister Ahmad Donyamali has stated that FIFA has provided assurances that the country’s men’s national football team will receive visas to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States.

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Donyamali said FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally guaranteed that Iranian players, coaches and officials would be granted entry despite ongoing geopolitical tensions involving the United States and the Middle East.

Concerns over Iran’s participation had persisted for months due to strained diplomatic relations and security developments following regional conflict involving the United States and Israel.

According to local reports, the uncertainty had raised questions about whether Iran would be allowed to fully participate in the tournament hosted jointly by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Donyamali insisted there was no justification for denying Iran’s team entry, adding that host nations are obliged to provide visas for all participating teams.

He said Iran’s squad is expected to receive multiple-entry visas while based in Mexico during the tournament.

The Iranian Football Federation has confirmed plans for the team to be based in Tijuana, a Mexican border city, to ease travel arrangements linked to US visa procedures.

Mexican authorities have also indicated support for accommodating Iran’s team to avoid complications arising from visa restrictions.

FIFA has previously maintained that Iran will play its group-stage matches in the United States as scheduled.

The latest assurances are expected to reduce uncertainty as Iran continues preparations in Antalya, Turkey, ahead of the tournament.

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Iran has been drawn in Group G and will face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in their group-stage fixtures across Los Angeles and Seattle.