Iran expecting FIFA-issued multiple-entry US visas for 2026 World Cup amid security fears and Donald Trump remarks

There have been question marks over Iran's participation in the tournament due to the Middle East war between the country and the US, Israel.

Published on: May 28, 2026, 18:47:26 IST

Written by Neelav Chakravarti

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

The Iranian football federation is expecting FIFA to issue multiple-entry visas for its team to the United States. In a video broadcast to Iranian media, the federation's president claimed that the multiple-entry visa will let their players enter the USA and return to Mexico, where their training camp is located.

Iran national team players arrive in Antalya, southern Turkey. (Tolga Yildirim/DHA via AP)

The Iranian football team initially planned to base itself in Tucson, Arizona. But later moved their base to Tijuana in Mexico, which will also co-host the tournament along with the USA and Canada.

Also Read: Iran Football Team responds to Donald Trump over FIFA World Cup safety comments: ‘No one can exclude us'

The Iranian football chief, Mehdi Taj, had previously said that the decision was taken to avoid complications with US visas and to allow the squad to fly directly to Mexico on Iran Air flights.

"FIFA is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter (the United States) and return (to Mexico)," said Taj.

Iran will play all three of its Group G matches in the USA. "It is certain now that we will go to Mexico. The team is preparing," he said.

There have been question marks over Iran's participation in the tournament due to the Middle East war between the country and the US, Israel.

Earlier, US President Donald Trump stated on social media that the Iranian team were welcome for the World Cup, but it would not be appropriate for them to travel to the USA for their own safety.

Responding to Trump, Iran's sports minister Ahmad Donyamali said, "The World Cup is a historic and international event and its governing body is FIFA — not any individual, country".

"Certainly, no one can exclude Iran’s national team from the World Cup; the only country that could be excluded is one that merely carries the title of ‘host’ yet lacks the ability to provide security for the teams participating in this global event."

Meanwhile, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has maintained that Trump has given him assurances that the Iranian team would be welcome to compete in the USA. "President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," he wrote in a post on Instagram.

"We all need an event like the FIFA World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the President of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that Football Unites the World", he added.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Neelav Chakravarti
Neelav Chakravarti has been part of the digital sports team at Hindustan Times since 2022, where he covers a wide range of disciplines, including chess, cricket, football, and Olympic sports. Working in a fast-paced digital newsroom, he regularly handles live blogs, breaking updates, and trending stories, combining speed with clarity to keep readers informed in real time. Chess remains both a professional beat and a personal passion for Neelav, and he closely tracks major international tournaments, player narratives, and emerging talents. He is particularly fascinated by the patience, calculation, and strategic depth the game demands, often exploring the psychological side of competition in his writing. Beyond sports journalism, Neelav has a deep interest in visual storytelling and filmmaking, actively participating in film festivals and engaging with independent cinema. He is especially drawn to films that capture the subtleties of everyday life and human relationships, appreciating storytelling that balances realism with emotional depth. This creative interest complements his approach to sports coverage, where he enjoys highlighting the human stories behind performances and results. A history enthusiast by academic training, Neelav holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject and maintains a sustained interest in ancient and medieval Indian history, particularly in cultural and social transitions across eras. His curiosity about the past often shapes his perspective on contemporary narratives and long-form storytelling. When he isn’t tracking scores or developing storylines, Neelav enjoys spending time over the chessboard, relaxing with his cats, or listening to the Empire podcast by Anita Anand and William Dalrymple. He also enjoys reading long-form sports writing that explores the emotional and cultural layers of sport, while maintaining a quiet routine that balances reading, reflection, and occasional time with friends.Read More

Stay updated with the latest sports news, including latest headlines and updates from the Durand Cup Final Live. Catch all the action from tennis Grand Slam tournaments, follow your favourite football teams and players with the latest match results, and get the latest on international hockey tournaments and series.