Iran’s football federation has said it expects FIFA to help secure multiple-entry visas for the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, amid ongoing concerns surrounding security and diplomatic tensions involving the United States.
The issue has gained attention following recent conflict in the Middle East involving Iran, the US and Israel, along with remarks from US President Donald Trump about the Iranian team’s travel and safety during the tournament.
Iran, which has already qualified for the World Cup, is scheduled to play all three of its Group G matches in the United States. However, the team is now expected to operate from neighbouring Mexico during the competition.
Iran shifts base from Arizona to Mexico
According to the Hindustan Times, Iranian football federation president Mehdi Taj said FIFA is expected to issue visas allowing players to freely travel between the US and Mexico during the tournament.
According to Iranian media reports, the team initially planned to establish its training base in Tucson, Arizona. Those plans were later changed, with the squad deciding to stay in Tijuana, Mexico, instead.
Taj said the move would help avoid possible visa complications and also allow the team to travel directly to Mexico using Iran Air flights.
“It is certain now that we will go to Mexico. The team is preparing,” he said.
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Trump remarks trigger response from Iran
According to the Hindustan Times, the debate intensified after Trump suggested on social media that while Iran would be allowed to participate in the World Cup, travelling to the United States might not be safe for the team.
The comments prompted a strong response from Iran’s sports minister, Ahmad Donyamali, who insisted that only FIFA has authority over participation decisions.
He said no country or individual could prevent Iran from taking part in the tournament and argued that host nations are responsible for ensuring security for all participating teams.
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FIFA insists Iran will be welcomed
According to the Hindustan Times, FIFA president Gianni Infantino later stated that Trump had assured him Iran would be welcomed at the tournament.
Infantino said the World Cup should serve as an event that unites nations during periods of global tension and thanked the US administration for supporting the competition.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, marking the first time the tournament is staged across three countries.
