06.06.2026 01:20
The weeks-long World Cup visa crisis between the US and Iran was resolved five days before the tournament began. US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack announced that the visas for Iranian national team players to enter the US have been approved. Barrack noted that the process was successfully managed by the US Embassy in Ankara, emphasizing the unifying power of sports that transcends borders. Thus, the biggest obstacle to Iran playing its matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US has been removed.
US Special Representative for Syria and Iraq and Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack announced that the visas for the Iranian National Team to enter the US for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been approved. In a statement on his social media account, Barrack thanked the US Embassy team in Ankara, saying, "Sports transcend borders, and we look forward to hosting competitors and fans from around the world."
US VISA ISSUED FOR IRANIAN NATIONAL TEAM
The prolonged visa crisis ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup has been resolved. The US administration approved entry visas for Iranian National Team players. The decision largely eliminated uncertainties regarding participation in the tournament due to political tensions between the two countries.
TOM BARRACK ANNOUNCED
US Ambassador to Ankara Tom Barrack stated in his announcement that the visa process was successfully completed, emphasizing the intense efforts of the US Embassy staff in Ankara. Barrack said, "We are proud of our extraordinary team in Ankara for processing visas for the Iranian national football team on the road to the FIFA World Cup in the US."
WEEKS-LONG CRISIS ENDED
Iranian officials had previously stated that the team had not yet received US visas, which also affected World Cup preparations. Due to the uncertainty, Iran's delegation altered its camp plans, reportedly choosing Tijuana, Mexico, as a preparation center.
PROCESS CONTINUES FOR SOME OFFICIALS
While visas for the players have been approved, evaluations for applications by technical staff and some administrative personnel are reportedly ongoing. It was noted that the US administration continues security reviews for certain individuals.
MATCHES TO BE PLAYED IN THE US
The Iranian National Team will face New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in the group stage of the World Cup. All of the team's group matches will be played in the US. Thus, with the resolution of the visa crisis, the biggest obstacle to Iran's participation in the tournament has been removed.