Iran's preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, are currently hindered by visa issues, as confirmed by the country's football federation. President Mehdi Taj stated that no visas have been issued for the national team, and discussions with FIFA are expected soon to seek necessary guarantees for entry. Taj emphasized the lack of confirmation from US authorities regarding visa approvals for Iranian players and staff. As part of the visa process, players are required to undergo fingerprinting procedures in Turkey, with efforts being made to simplify logistics by potentially moving the process to Antalya. The situation is complicated by ongoing tensions between Iran and the US, with Iranian deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi warning that political issues should not interfere with sports events. Iran's national team, known as Team Melli, is set to be based in Tucson, Arizona, and will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt in Group G.