Iran's national football team has secured visas to enter the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, US officials confirmed Sunday. The approval comes just ten days before their opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
Officials stated that visas have been issued for athletes and necessary support staff, but warned the US would not allow the team to "abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States."
Earlier this week, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio told lawmakers that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps would be barred from entry. Several Iranian players have completed mandatory military service with that branch.
The tournament, co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, begins June 11. It marks the first time a host nation is at war with a competing country.