FIFA Expected to Arrange Multiple-Entry Visas for Iran's National Team for 2026 World Cup

Tehran. The world football governing body FIFA is expected to arrange multiple-entry visas for Iran's national team before the 2026 World Cup, the Football Federation of Iran has said.

Federation President Mehdi Taj said, "FIFA is expected to provide 'multiple entry' visas so that players can enter America and return to Mexico."

The Iranian team, known as 'Team Melli', had initially planned to stay in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament but has since moved its training camp to Tijuana, Mexico. It will co-host the World Cup along with the United States and Canada.

This step has been taken to avoid complications related to US visas and to allow travel directly to Mexico on Iran Air flights, Taj had previously stated.

Iran will play all three of its Group 'G' matches in the United States. He said, "Now it has been confirmed to go to Mexico. The team is preparing."

Iran's participation in the World Cup had been uncertain for months against the backdrop of the West Asia war that began after the bombing campaign by the US-Israel against Iran on February 28.

The team will play its first World Cup match against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, and will play against Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.

On Thursday, Taj said he had no information about the condition of Sardar Azmoun, referring to Iran's famous striker.

He said he was removed from the preliminary squad list prepared by the team manager. Azmoun, who has previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma, had also supported the anti-government protests.

He had also faced criticism from the Iranian media. A photo published in March showed him with the ruler of Dubai, where he currently plays and resides.

On Monday, one of Iran's vice presidents called for Azmoun to be reinstated to the national team. In a recent Instagram post, Azmoun said, "He once rejected 'a very large financial offer from another country' and called himself 'a child of Iran'."