About Author
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
Lastest News Nigeria, Politics, Business, Sport, Interview
By Eppe Franklyne
The Iran national team has been granted visas to enter the United States, removing a major obstacle ahead of its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
A White House official confirmed the development on Friday after weeks of uncertainty surrounding the team’s travel plans. The approval comes just days before Iran opens its Group G campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team is also scheduled to face Belgium in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt in Seattle.
The visa issue had sparked concerns after Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, disclosed that the squad had not received the necessary travel documents less than two weeks before the tournament. The delay forced officials to relocate the team’s base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, while efforts continued to secure entry into the United States.
Pasandideh described the situation as challenging and said the team remained determined to compete. He stated, “We will keep trying until the final moment to enter (the U.S.) and play.”
The ambassador also expressed concern that politics had overshadowed the spirit of the competition, adding, “Sport and the World Cup were created to bring nations closer together. But we are not witnessing that right now.”
The Iran national team plans to operate from Tijuana during the tournament and travel to the United States for matches. Officials are still assessing the logistics of those arrangements, particularly for the fixture in Seattle.
The visa approval comes amid ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States, making this one of the most closely watched off-field stories of the tournament. With the issue now resolved, the Iran national team can focus fully on its World Cup preparations and hopes of progressing from Group G.
