Iran players received USA entry visas days before their opening match in Los Angeles, while some staff members still awaited approval.
Iran’s World Cup players have received visas to enter the United States, a White House official said, easing doubts over the team’s participation.
The visas were granted 10 days before Iran face New Zealand in Los Angeles in their first Group G match at the 2026 World Cup.
Iran’s ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, had previously said that the squad had not yet received entry visas. A White House official later said that the approvals came overnight.
The issue had disrupted Team Melli’s tournament logistics. The team moved its planned base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, because of the visa delays and broader security concerns.
Iran are due to play their first two group-stage matches in Los Angeles, against New Zealand and Belgium, before facing Egypt in Seattle.
The visa issue has not fully ended, however. Some technical and administrative staff members are still waiting for approval. USA Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously said Washington would not allow members of the delegation linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to enter the country.
Iran’s presence in the United States comes amid continuing political and military tensions between Tehran and Washington.