As the excitement builds for the World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, a diplomatic row has erupted over visa approvals for the Iranian national football team. Iran has formally accused the United States of denying visas to several "integral" members of its backroom staff, potentially hindering the team's performance in the tournament.
The dispute has gained momentum as the tournament draws near. While the players and a segment of the support staff successfully obtained their US visas in time for the opening match scheduled for June 11, a significant gap remains. According to a statement released by the Embassy of Iran in Türkiye via X, a large portion of the managerial and executive staff, along with technical advisers, have been denied entry.
The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran has characterized these refusals as discriminatory and politically motivated. The federation argued that Washington is improperly extending political disputes into the sporting arena, thereby undermining Iran's right to participate in the global event on an equal footing with other nations.
In response, a US State Department official stated on Saturday that visas for athletes and essential support personnel have indeed been issued. However, the official maintained a firm security stance, asserting that the United States would not allow the system to be abused to "sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses."
The tension is particularly acute as all three of Iran's group-stage matches are scheduled to take place within the United States. In light of these visa complications, FIFA has already approved a request from Iran to relocate its official World Cup base camp to Tijuana, Mexico, providing the team with a more stable operational hub outside of US borders.
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Iran accuses US of denying World Cup visas for support staff
cgtn.com
