The International Sports Press Association has reported that numerous Iranian and African journalists have been denied visas to cover the upcoming FIFA World Cup in the United States. In a letter addressed to FIFA officials, association president Gianni Merlo expressed frustration over the persistent issue of visa denials for accredited journalists. He highlighted that many Iranian and African journalists have faced challenges, including receiving only single-entry visas, which restricts their ability to return to the US if their teams play in neighboring countries like Canada or Mexico. Merlo emphasized the importance of allowing these journalists to attend and report on the World Cup, noting that their presence is vital for the image of sports, especially in a country that values press freedom. The FIFA World Cup is set to commence on Thursday, featuring 48 teams, including Iran and several African nations. As of Saturday morning, there has been no response from the US State Department regarding the visa issues raised by the association.