Iran's national football team touched down in Turkey on Monday for a pre-World Cup training camp, as questions persist over their ability to enter the United States for the tournament. The squad's first match, against New Zealand in Los Angeles, is scheduled for less than a month away, but visa approvals remain pending.
Visa Uncertainty and IRGC Links
The uncertainty stems from US and Canadian sanctions against the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is classified as a terrorist entity by both nations. Mehdi Taj, the IRGC-linked president of Iran's football federation, was denied entry to the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month, fueling fears that other officials may face similar barriers. The US, co-hosting the World Cup with Canada and Mexico, has made clear it will not admit individuals with ties to the IRGC.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sought to allay concerns last month, stating: 'Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America.' On Saturday, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom reported a constructive meeting with Iran's football association and expressed confidence in their participation.
Training Camp in Turkey
The 22 players and officials arrived at Antalya Airport, clad in black team outfits and pulling black suitcases, before boarding buses to their hotel in the nearby resort of Belek. They will spend several weeks training in Antalya, where they hope to play two friendlies, before traveling to Arizona for the tournament.
Iran had requested to move their fixtures from the US to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the request. After facing New Zealand, they will play Belgium at the Los Angeles Stadium and conclude the group stage against Egypt in Seattle.
Political and Security Context
Iran secured their World Cup berth in March 2025 by topping their qualification group. However, since then, Washington has launched two intensive bombing campaigns against the country. Peace talks have stalled, and Iranian drone attacks on Gulf states occurred on Sunday. US officials have insisted Iran is welcome at the tournament, with Donald Trump saying in April: 'Let 'em play.'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that any visa issues would not involve the players but rather 'some of the other people they would want to bring with them.'
Women's Team Precedent
In March, several players from Iran's women's team were granted humanitarian visas to compete in the Women's Asian Cup in Australia, which began shortly after the outbreak of war. Seven players initially received humanitarian visas, but five later chose to return home.
Domestic Controversy
Fears for the team's safety grew after Iranian state TV branded them 'war time traitors' and called for punishment when they refused to sing the national anthem in their opening game against South Korea. The team was given a state send-off in Tehran on Wednesday, with fans displaying Hezbollah flags and chanting anti-US slogans.
