Iran's national football team has yet to receive United States visas ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, sparking serious concerns over the team's participation logistics just weeks before the tournament kicks off.

Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Mohammad Taghi Hosseini, said the ongoing delay means the squad is not competing on equal terms with other nations preparing for the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

"We are not on equal terms with the other teams," Hosseini said, describing the visa process as a major obstacle for the squad ahead of the competition.

Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj reinforced those concerns, stating bluntly: "No visas have been issued yet." He added that players were expected to travel to Turkey for fingerprinting and visa processing, with efforts underway to complete the procedure in Antalya rather than Ankara.

Camp relocation and diplomatic backdrop

Iran had originally planned to base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, during the tournament. Following security and visa concerns, however, the team shifted its pre-tournament base to Tijuana, Mexico. FIFA confirmed that relocation earlier this week after consultations with Iranian football officials.

The delays unfold against a backdrop of strained diplomatic relations between Tehran and Washington, as well as heightened political tensions across the Middle East — factors that have complicated the visa process for players and technical staff alike.

Despite the mounting logistical hurdles, FIFA has maintained that Iran will participate in the World Cup as scheduled. The governing body has not issued a public statement on the latest visa concerns, though Iranian officials confirm that discussions with football authorities are continuing.

Iran's path through Group G

Iran are drawn in Group G alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, with their matches set to be played in Los Angeles and Seattle. The Asian side qualified for the tournament by topping their Asian qualifying group and will be making their seventh World Cup appearance overall.

With the tournament fast approaching, Iranian officials are pressing for a resolution — and equal treatment — before their opening fixture.