Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation successfully appealed against their US visa rejections. However, 11 other essential staff members of the national team were denied entry to the US. While Iranian players received permission to enter the US, certain staff members faced entry refusals.
The Iranian delegation, now based in Mexico, saw 10 out of 15 members reapply for US visas upon arrival in Latin America. Only four appeals were granted, allowing an analyst and two federation officials to enter the US. The remaining six applicants, including the Iran Football Federation president and vice president, were denied visas, along with administrators, a media officer, and a security officer.
Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium on June 21 and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed his happiness over Iran’s participation, recalling his promise to ensure their presence at the World Cup.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that Iranian players are welcome at the tournament, but individuals linked to the IRGC may face entry restrictions.