Football · Tijuana, Los Angeles, and Seattle
Iran's World Cup delegation faces visa deadlock and ticket quota cancellation ahead of US-based group stage
Thirteen members of Iran's World Cup delegation still lack US visas, and the team's full ticket allocation for three group-stage matches has been cancelled without explanation, prompting urgent talks between FIFA and Iran's football federation.
In brief
Thirteen members of Iran's World Cup delegation have not received US visas, preventing them from entering the country where all group-stage matches will be played.
Iran's full allocation of 8% of stadium capacity for its three first-round matches was cancelled without explanation, according to the FFIRI.
FIFA director Kenny Grafström met the Iranian delegation in Tijuana and pledged continued dialogue to ensure positive conditions for the team.
Iran will play New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on 16 and 21 June, and Egypt in Seattle on 27 June, requiring three entries into US territory.
- 16 JunIran vs New Zealand in Los Angeles
- 21 JunIran vs Belgium in Los Angeles
- 27 JunIran vs Egypt in Seattle
Visa deadlock
Iran's national team arrived at its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, but 13 members of the delegation have not yet received visas to enter the United States, where all three of its Group G matches will be played. The Iranian football federation (FFIRI) sought explanations from FIFA on Tuesday after the entire quota of 8% of stadium capacity for each of its three first-round fixtures was cancelled without any reason given.
FIFA talks
FIFA's director of member associations, Kenny Grafström, met with the Iranian delegation in Tijuana and described the discussion as "extremely constructive." Grafström referenced a previous face-to-face meeting in Istanbul, where Iran prepared for the tournament.
“President Taj and I had an extremely constructive discussion, just like during our last face-to-face meeting in Istanbul. FIFA will continue the dialogue and its collaboration with the FFIRI to ensure that the team and delegation's experience is positive and that they have all the necessary conditions to perform on the pitch. We look forward to the weeks ahead.”
Group G schedule
Iran, coached by Amir Ghalenei, will face New Zealand on 16 June and Belgium on 21 June, both in Los Angeles, before a match against Egypt on 27 June in Seattle. The team is preparing in Tijuana under heightened security conditions and will need to cross into the United States three times for the group stage.
Geopolitical backdrop
The logistical complications come against the backdrop of active war between Iran and the United States, which has been ongoing since the American-Israeli offensive on Tehran on 28 February. The conflict adds a layer of diplomatic friction to what would normally be routine tournament logistics.
Sources and context
- Kenny Grafström
- FIFA director of member associations who met the Iranian delegation in Tijuana
- Amir Ghalenei
- Head coach of the Iranian national football team at the 2026 World Cup