Iran’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, are unfolding alongside a US visa dispute that affects parts of the Iranian delegation. Multiple reports say the crisis centers on entry and travel arrangements for team officials and staff. Iran’s football federation leadership says the visa issue is not resolved, with claims that no visas have been issued yet and that FIFA must provide guarantees. The Iranian football federation also says it has encountered restrictions impacting the team’s ability to implement its planned arrangements, including technical staff logistics.

In parallel, FIFA engages with Iran to secure its participation. FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom describes meetings with the Iranian federation as “excellent” and “constructive,” aimed at confirming Iran’s participation and tournament arrangements. Iran continues its football preparations, including training camps and a send-off ceremony in Tehran before the team’s travel.

Iran has signaled it will escalate matters through formal complaint processes with FIFA, alleging restrictions imposed by tournament organizers. Reports also describe the broader political context between Iran and the US, alongside uncertainty about visas for delegation members ahead of the tournament’s June 11 start.