Iran World Cup squad players begin US visa process

At least four Iranian footballers and one member of their support staff travelled to the U.S. embassy in Ankara on Thursday to submit visa applications for the 2026 World Cup, an AFP correspondent reported.

The team arrived in Antalya, a resort on Turkey’s southern coast, on Monday for a training camp ahead of the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. The camp began after Iran was bombed by the United States and Israel on February 28, an event that escalated into a broader conflict. A ceasefire has been in effect since April 8.

Four players wearing navy blue tracksuits and a staff member in black were seen entering the embassy in the morning, the correspondent added.

They are also expected to apply for visas at the Canadian embassy, as Canada is another co‑host of the World Cup.

Although Iran and the United States severed diplomatic ties in 1980, the Iranian Football Federation’s vice‑president expressed confidence in FIFA’s protocols as the team prepares for the competition.

“Team Melli,” the nickname for the Iranian squad, will play two friendlies in Antalya before the World Cup: against Gambia on May 29 and Mali on June 4.

In the tournament, Iran has been drawn into Group G and will open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team will then face Belgium in the same city and conclude its group matches against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran aims to reach the knockout stages for the first time, having missed that round in its previous six World Cup appearances.

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