Iran Seeks Multiple-Entry US Visas for 2026 World Cup Amid Security Tensions with Trump

The Iranian football federation is expecting FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for its national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and concerns surrounding travel to the United States. Iranian football officials said the arrangement would allow players and staff to travel between the United States and Mexico, where the team plans to establish its training base during the tournament.

Iran’s football federation president Mehdi Taj said the squad will now be based in Tijuana, Mexico, instead of Tucson, Arizona, as initially planned. According to Taj, the shift was made to avoid possible complications related to US visa procedures and to allow the team to travel more smoothly using direct Iran Air flights to Mexico. He stated that FIFA is expected to provide a multiple-entry visa system enabling the team to enter the United States for matches and then return to Mexico without repeated immigration hurdles.

Iran has been drawn into Group G and is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States, which is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. The visa issue has gained international attention due to heightened tensions involving Iran, the United States, and Israel amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Concerns have been raised in recent months regarding travel safety, diplomatic restrictions, and the political atmosphere surrounding the tournament.

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US President Donald Trump had earlier stated on social media that the Iranian football team would be welcome to participate in the World Cup but suggested that it may not be appropriate for the team to remain in the United States for extended periods because of security concerns. The comments prompted reactions from Iranian officials, who stressed that participation in the tournament falls under FIFA’s authority and not the discretion of any individual country or political leader.

Responding to Trump’s remarks, Iran’s Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali said no nation has the authority to exclude Iran from the World Cup. He stated that the tournament is governed by FIFA and described the event as an international sporting platform meant to unite countries through football. Donyamali also suggested that any host nation unable to ensure the safety and security of participating teams would face greater scrutiny than the teams themselves.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has meanwhile attempted to reassure all stakeholders by stating that President Trump personally assured him that the Iranian team would be welcomed in the United States during the tournament. In a social media post, Infantino emphasized that the FIFA World Cup is intended to bring people together regardless of political tensions. With preparations continuing, Iranian football authorities say the team is fully focused on its World Cup campaign while awaiting final visa arrangements and logistical clearances from FIFA and host authorities.

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