Iranian Soccer Staff Faces Visa Issues Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup
Members of Iranian soccer staff wait to receive US visas ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup, official say
Image: Jpost
Iran's soccer players have received US visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but key staff members, including Executive Director Mehdi Kharati, have not. The Iranian football federation has criticized the US government for its visa decisions, calling it a political move.
- 01Iran's players received US visas, but key staff members did not, including Executive Director Mehdi Kharati and Media Director Mohsen Motamedkia.
- 02The Iranian football federation plans to pursue the visa issue with FIFA, claiming it contradicts international sports laws.
- 03Iran's national team will now base in Tijuana, Mexico, due to visa complications before their first match in Los Angeles.
- 04US Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be barred from the delegation.
- 05Many Iranian and African journalists have also been denied visas to cover the World Cup, raising concerns about press freedom.
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Iran's soccer players have successfully obtained US visas for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, but several key staff members, including Executive Director Mehdi Kharati and Media Director Mohsen Motamedkia, have not. This situation has led Iran's football federation to accuse the US government of making a politically motivated decision that violates international sports laws. As a result, these staff members will travel with the team to Tijuana, Mexico, where they will prepare for their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The federation plans to address the visa issue with FIFA, emphasizing the urgency for their managerial and technical staff. Additionally, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that individuals associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps will not be permitted in the delegation. The situation is further complicated by reports of many Iranian and African journalists being denied visas, which has raised concerns about press freedom at the tournament.
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The visa issues for Iranian staff could affect the team's preparation and overall performance in the World Cup.
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