Iran’s national soccer team is facing visa challenges as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup in North America. The issues stem from ongoing geopolitical tensions, affecting the team’s ability to secure visas on time.
The Iranian soccer federation has been negotiating with FIFA, rather than the United States authorities, in an attempt to resolve these challenges. Mehdi Taj, the longstanding president of Iran’s soccer federation and a former Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps commander, has been at the forefront of these discussions.
Mr. Taj claims that the uncertainty is attributable to the United States. In response, Iran decided to base its team in Mexico, rather than the United States. This decision came after consultations with FIFA, aiming to reduce the team’s time in the United States.
Iran’s soccer team was third to qualify for the World Cup. This tournament is set to be the largest, with 48 teams participating and spanning three host countries: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event is noteworthy for being the first to involve a host nation currently at war with one of the competing teams.
These political scenarios have impacted the Iranian team’s preparations. Recently, following discussions with FIFA in Turkey, Iran relocated its World Cup base from the United States to Tijuana, Mexico. The Iranian team had been training in Turkey for the past month.
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