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International Business Times UK
International Business Times UK
Emmanuel Morilla

'We Are Upset': Iran National Team Hits Back at US Visa Delays After Staff Denied Entry Before World Cup 2026

Iran United States World Cup Fifa Football Marco Rubio the 2026 World Cup Tom Barrack IRGC the Iranian Embassy
Iran’s national football team takes part in an intra-squad training match as it prepares for the 2026 World Cup amid a visa dispute involving support staff and officials. (Credit: Hossein Zohrevand/Wikimedia Commons)

Iran's national football team has condemned the United States for denying visas to key support staff just days before the 2026 World Cup, while players were granted entry. The Iran Football Federation said the refusals amounted to 'vindictive behaviour' and called them a political decision.

All 26 players on Iran's World Cup squad have been granted visas permitting entry and competition in the United States, according to a US official. The Iranian Embassy in Ankara said a significant portion of managerial, administrative and technical staff were denied US visas.

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