By R. Alexander Núñez
The participation of the Iran national team in the FIFA World Cup 2026 was cleared this Friday after the United States confirmed the issuance of visas for the members of the Asian team. The decision puts an end to doubts that arose regarding the team’s entry due to current immigration restrictions for Iranian citizens.
The confirmation was made by the United States ambassador to Türkiye, Tom Barrack, who highlighted the work carried out by the deepest diplomat in charge of processing the necessary documentation so that the team can compete in the tournament which will be jointly organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
“We are proud of our extraordinary team at the US Embassy in Ankara for their work processing visas for Iran’s national soccer team on their way to the FIFA World Cup“Barrack wrote on the X social network.
Proud of our prominent personnel on the US Embassy in Ankara for his or her work processing visas for Iran’s nationwide football personnel on their facet twin carriageway to the @FIFAWorldCup in america.
Sports transcends borders, and we dwell up for welcoming opponents and followers from around the? https://t.co/KpFUCFcvZV
— Ambassador Tom Barrack (@USAMBTurkiye) June 5, 2026
The situation had generated uncertainty in recent days due to US immigration policies that affect citizens of several countries, including Iran. However, international sports competitions contemplate exceptions for athletes, coaches and accredited professionals, an aspect that finally allowed the process to be resolved.
Barrack also sent a welcome message to the delegations that will participate in the tournament.
“In the United States, sport transcends borders and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world“said the diplomat.
Iran is already planning its participation in the tournament
The Iranian team was one of the first to secure qualification for the World Cup and has already defined part of its logistics for the competition. The team will establish its operations sinister in Mexico and from there he will travel to the United States to play the matches corresponding to the group stage.
The Asian team will begin its World Cup tour on June 15 in Los Angeles, where it will face New Zealand on the first day of Group G. The zone is also made up of Belgium and Egypt.
The confirmation of the visas takes on additional relevance in the midst of the conflict involving Iran in the Middle East, a situation that remains unresolved after nearly 100 days of clashes. Despite this context, the US authorities confirmed that the team will be able to compete in the tournament without problems related to its entry into the country.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark a milestone in the history of the competition by counting for the first time with forty eight participating teams. The contest will take place between June and July and will have venues distributed in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
With the migration issue resolved, Iran can concentrate exclusively on sports preparation for the competition.
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