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Iran Demands World Cup Visa Guarantees from U.S.
(MENAFN) In a separate development straddling sport and geopolitics, Iran's Foreign Ministry asserted Thursday that the United States is legally bound under FIFA obligations to grant entry visas to Iran's national football squad, irrespective of the two nations' deep political rift.
Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was pursuing every diplomatic avenue to ensure smooth participation by its players in the 2026 tournament.
"Our players will travel to the United States solely for the World Cup," Baghaei said following an internal training match, according to an Iranian news agency.
He insisted that the host nation bears "a clear and specific commitment that it is obliged to uphold," stressing that visa decisions must be made without political considerations. Baghaei also called on FIFA to act decisively to protect its own standing, warning that recent developments involving the Iranian team were "not worthy of FIFA."
With no formal diplomatic ties between Tehran and Washington, Baghaei noted that Iran's Interests Section in Washington stood ready to provide logistical support. When pressed on ongoing nuclear negotiations, he drew a firm line: "For now, we are focused on sports."
Iran is slated to play three group-stage matches — against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19.
Tensions in the region have been elevated since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered retaliatory action from Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said Tehran was pursuing every diplomatic avenue to ensure smooth participation by its players in the 2026 tournament.
"Our players will travel to the United States solely for the World Cup," Baghaei said following an internal training match, according to an Iranian news agency.
He insisted that the host nation bears "a clear and specific commitment that it is obliged to uphold," stressing that visa decisions must be made without political considerations. Baghaei also called on FIFA to act decisively to protect its own standing, warning that recent developments involving the Iranian team were "not worthy of FIFA."
With no formal diplomatic ties between Tehran and Washington, Baghaei noted that Iran's Interests Section in Washington stood ready to provide logistical support. When pressed on ongoing nuclear negotiations, he drew a firm line: "For now, we are focused on sports."
Iran is slated to play three group-stage matches — against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico, running from June 11 to July 19.
Tensions in the region have been elevated since US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28 triggered retaliatory action from Tehran and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
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