THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Iran says footballer's US visa expires after World Cup opener An Iranian national football team player's United States visa has expired, state media reported Tuesday, leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington. Winger Mehdi Torabi was only issued a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on Monday. "Following the national team's trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi's visa has now expired," state news agency IRNA reported. The Iranian Football Federation "has taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, so that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming matches", it added. The agency did not disclose if Torabi successfully departed the US but said "all members of the national team are on board the aircraft" that was leaving the United States for Mexico after the match. The United States and tournament organisers did not immediately comment. The report comes after a serie…

Iran says US revoked World Cup ticket allocation for supporters Iran’s football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row.The US has presented a number of bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including refusing to issue visas for some of its support staff, as the two countries remain at war after the US and Israel attacked the country in late February.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup... the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group stage matches,” the federation said in a statement.The Iranian football body said FIFA regulations dictate that it should be allocated eight percent of tickets for each match, which are given

What happens if Iran does not go to the 2026 World Cup? Here's what ... Pablo M. Fuentenebro twitter David Nelson twitter Update: Mar 4th, 2026 05:22 EST 0 Share facebook twitter whatsapp Make us preferred on Google Iran’s presence at the World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada remains uncertain with just 100 days to go before the tournament, amid the military conflict involving the United States, Israel and several countries in the Persian Gulf. The Asian side has already secured qualification and is one of the 42 teams guaranteed a place. Iran has been drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand. However, Iran’s participation in a World Cup staged partly on U.S. soil raises a number of questions. If it takes part, the team is scheduled to play two matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. What will happen if Iran decides not to go to the World Cup? According to FIFA regulations for the 2026 World Cup, specifically Article 6 under the heading “Withdrawal, match not played, abandoned match and replacement,” any national team that withdraws from the competition faces a significant financial penalty and the possibility of additional sporting sanctions…

Iran say Torabi's US visa expired after World Cup opener - RTÉ Updated / Tuesday, 16 Jun 2026 10:15 Iran's Mehdi Torabi Iran player Mehdi Torabi's United States visa has expired, state media reported Tuesday, leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington. The winger was only issued a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on Monday. "Following the national team's trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi's visa has now expired," state news agency IRNA reported. The Iranian Football Federation "has taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, s o that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming matches", it added. The agency did not disclose if Torabi successfully departed the US but said "all members of the national team are on board the aircraft" that was leaving the United States for Mexico after the match. The United States and tournament organisers did not immediately comment. Th…

Iran criticizes US refusal to grant visas for World Cup delegation Iran’s ambassador to Mexico expressed concern over the reported denial of US visas to the World Cup delegation.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions: team Iran’s football federation alleges that its team was subject to travel restrictions during their tournament in the USA.

Soccer-U.S. defends Iran World Cup travel restrictions, says discussions ongoing <p>By Nick Said</p><p>HOUSTON, June 20 (Reuters) - The United States will continue to assess the Iran squad's travel arrangements at the World Cup but for now the original plan remains in place despitethe team saying they would lodge a complaint with FIFA, Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the tournament, told Reuters on Saturday.</p>

Iran slams US over World Cup conduct after official cheers team's elimination Iran’s FM has said the US has proved itself unfit to host the FIFA World Cup after its homeland security secretary celebrated Iran's elimination.

Iran accuses U.S. of ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa denials Don’t miss thefull storyfrom our staff writers, whose reportage is the basis of this article. Iran’s national soccer team arrived in North America under a cloud of diplomatic tension after U.S. officials denied visas to two senior Iranian Football Federation leaders ahead of this month’s World Cup, drawing sharp protests from Tehran over what it called politically motivated interference in sport. Every player on Iran’s 30-man squad and all coaching staff members received visas to participate in the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. However, Iranian Football Federation Secretary General Hedayat Mombeini and Vice President Mehdi Mohammad Nabi were both denied entry. It was unclear whether federation President Mehdi Taj had received a visa. Compounding the tensions, the Trump administration imposed a condition requiring the Iranian delegation to leave U.S. soil the same day as each of its matches, barring the team from remaining in the country overnight. Citing safety concerns, Iran’s players and coaches agreed to base their operations in Tijuana, Mexico, r…

US denies visas to Iranian football staff despite hosting duties The United States has denied visas to several Iranian national football team officials and staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite its duties as one of the hosts of the global event.

Iran issued visas for World Cup but warned not to 'sneak terrorists ... Iran's soccer team is set to play their games in the U.S but will be based in Mexico.Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images Iran’s soccer team and “necessary support” staff have been issued visas ahead of the World Cup but Donald Trump’s government “will not allow them to to abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States”, an administration official has said. The national team has faced months of uncertainty over travel and security arrangements for the tournament since the war began on February 28, when the U.S and Israel targeted Iran with military strikes. Advertisement Some federation officials with alleged ties to the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had been denied entry to the World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. in December. Iranian soccer executives were also unable to attend an Asian Football Confederation congress meeting in Canada in Aprildue to visa issues, the body’s general secretary said at the time, generating uncertainty over the national team squad’s arrival. WhenThe Athleticcontacted the White House on the matter of the Iran national team’s visas on Friday, a U.S a…

Iran to lodge FIFA complaint over repeated US-imposed restrictions ahead of Belgium clash Iran's Football Federation says it will file an official complaint with FIFA after a second consecutive refusal by tournament organizers to accommodate Team Melli's preparation.

Soccer-Iran team chief slams FIFA’s 'lack of coordination' on visa issues <p>By Emily Green</p><p>MEXICO CITY, June 12 (Reuters) - FIFA President Gianni Infantino has failed to deliver on promises to secure full access for the Iranian soccer federation to attend the team's three games in the United States, Iran’s World Cup team supervisor told Reuters. </p><p>Mahdi Mohammad Nabi, who also served as Iran’s supervisor in charge of squad operations at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups in Russia and Qatar, is among 15 Iranian soccer federation members denied a visa to travel to the U.S. for the World Cup games. </p>

Iran says US revoked World Cup ticket allocation for supporters Editor's Pick How should Bangladesh's economy grow in the second half of 2020s? 8 June 2026, 11:00 AM Views True sustainability for ports means going beyond green 8 June 2026, 08:00 AM Opinion How should we read Bangladesh’s UNGA presidency against global and domestic realities? 7 June 2026, 09:00 AM Views Enough is enough. Time to take strong action against child sexual abuse 7 June 2026, 10:00 AM Views Life and death on Bangladesh’s char islands 6 June 2026, 00:00 AM Unheard Voices Iran says US revoked World Cup ticket allocation for supporters 45 MIN(s) ago UPDATED 45 MIN(s) ago FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 SHARE AFP, Tehran Iran fans look on as the bus arrives as their team arrives at the Tijuana International Airport, Tijuana, Mexico on June 7, 2026. PHOTO: REUTERS Iran's football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row. The US has presented a number of bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including re…

The tight restrictions Iran has now been given for entry into the USA ... Follow us on Google Discover Iran’s World Cup preparations have been thrown into chaos by strict US entry rules, turning every American matchday into a logistical challenge. The squad has been forced to train in Mexico after visa issues disrupted their original plans for the 2026 group games in Los Angeles and Seattle. This is not just a scheduling issue. Iran now has to manage travel rules that cut into their usual buildup and recovery routines. Photo by Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images Iran forced into Mexico base by World Cup visa restrictions Al Jazeera English reported that Iran’s players must enter and leave US territory on the same day as each World Cup match, citing Iran’s ambassador to Mexico. That is the key restriction. The players have reportedly received visas to compete, but the team cannot operate like a normal World Cup squad based inside the host country. Instead of being stationed in Tucson, Arizona, as originally planned, Iran has set up camp in Tijuana, Mexico. That move changes the entire flow of their tournament. Matchday preparations now include border crossings, security checks an…

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restrictions <p>The Iranian football federation said Thursday it will lodge a complaint with FIFA claiming its team is being subjected to travel restrictions during the World Cup in North America.</p><p>Iran wanted to fly from their base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday.</p><p>But a spokesman for the Iranian federation said its request was turned down.</p>

Iran claims US blocks fans after ticket quota withdrawal Iran’s football federation said Tuesday the United States has withdrawn its ticket allocation for World Cup group-stage matches, accusing the co-host of preventing Iranian fans fro...

Travel, Visa Issues Hang Over World Cup - Front Office Sports Team staffers, federation leaders, media members, and at least one referee and player have dealt with travel issues. The U.S. State Department has become a major player in the World Cup. On the eve of the tournament, many involved are facing travel issues as they try to enter the U.S. At least one player and referee have been held up or denied, while many team staff members and federation leaders have had their visa applications rejected. Journalists are also facing widespread denials or single-entry limits, and Iran’s federation reportedly claimed the U.S. will only let the team enter one day before any match. The Trump administration has instituted travel policies that ban or restrict visitors from several World Cup participating countries. The administration claims some policies are in the interest of national security, while othersseek to limit the spread of disease. These policies have included carveouts for players and staffers, but not fans. “The denial of visas for journalists from certain countries, or the rejection of a visa for a coach of a team, as well as single-day visas for specific foreign national …

‘Worst form of political interference’: Iran blasts US over visa denial for World Cup Iran’s Football Federation has condemned the United States for denying visas to members of the Iranian national team’s support staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

ICE, Bag Searches and Denied Visas—How World Cup Teams ... - Newsweek By Alice Gibbs Senior Reporter 0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. International soccer teams arriving in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup are encountering a series of detentions, intensive border checks and visa complications. Particular incidents involving players from countries including Iraq, Iran and Senegal have gained attention online and among soccer officials, raising questions about how teams are being received ahead of the tournament. Iraq Star Detained One incident involves Iraq’s national team, where forward Aymen Hussein was detained for several hours after arriving at Chicago O’Hare Airport and subjected to questioning before being allowed into the country. Reports indicate his phone was also examined during the process, highlighting the extensive authority U.S. border officials have when screening arrivals. Read More on U.S. ... The team’s photographer, Talal Salah, was detained for more than 10 hours before being denied entry altogether. A Cust…

Travel restrictions: Iran's treatment at World Cup 'a dark point ... - RTL Iran's treatment at the World Cup in North America is a "dark point" in the history of the competition, a leading Iranian football official said Friday. Hedayat Mombeyni, the secretary general of the Iranian football federation, was speaking to reporters the day after his organization said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA, claiming the team was being subjected to travel restrictions that were jeopardizing its performance. "This is a major international tournament. This sort of breaking of our rules and our agreements, in my opinion, calls football itself into question," Mombeyni told reporters at the team's training base in Tijuana, Mexico. "I believe this will mark a dark point in the World Cup's recent history," Mombeyni added. Iran wanted to fly to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, because the match kicks off at midday local time. Iran's Belgian opponents were flying to California on Friday, two days before the game. But the Iranian federation said its request to follow suit was turned down. The US administration, which has just signe…

Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals <p>Tehran claims soccer officials, support staff were excluded despite assurances that players would receive travel documents ahead of matches on American soil</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/iran-slams-us-discriminatory-treatment-over-world-cup-visa-refusals/">Iran slams US &#8216;discriminatory treatment&#8217; over World Cup visa refusals</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/06/AFP__20260529__B4FJ8KE__v1__HighRes__FblIrnGamWc2026Friendly-1024x640.jpg" title="Iran slams US &#8216;discriminatory treatment&#8217; over World Cup visa refusals" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>

Iran's World Cup Visa Chaos: Team Allowed in US Only on Match Days ... Iran's national football team is facing one of the most extraordinary logistical arrangements in World Cup history, permitted to enter the United States only on the days they play their matches and required to leave as soon as each game is over, according to a Goal.com report. What the Arrangement Actually Looks Like Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, confirmed the situation bluntly, telling reporters that the team can enter in the morning and must leave the same day. That means on each match day, the squad will cross the border from Mexico in the morning, play their game on US soil, and immediately head back across the border once the final whistle blows. The arrangement has forced Iran to abandon its original plan to base itself in Tucson, Arizona. Mexico has stepped in to host the squad instead, with the team using Tijuana, a Mexican city as its headquarters throughout the group stage. Breaking It Down What challenges did Iran face regarding its World Cup participation? What was Iran's initial plan for its World Cup base? How did U.S. officials justify visa restrictions for Iran's team? Create…

US to ease travel restrictions on Iran World Cup team, coach says - TAG24 2026-06-21 09:33:11 US to ease travel restrictions on Iran World Cup team, coach says By Evan Williams Tijuana, Mexico - Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei on Saturday said he was told US travel restrictions on his World Cup team will be eased for their third group game, but blamed strict rules for damaging their on-field performance. Iran's coach said on Saturday he was told that US travel restrictions would be eased for his team's third group game. © AFP/Guillermo Arias Iran's soccer squad arrived at the World Cup mere months after the US and Israel launched a war of aggression against their country in late February. While Mexico volunteered to host Iran in the border city of Tijuana, the team has been blocked from staying overnight in the US, forcing them to fly in before each match and then immediately fly back. The travel restrictions saw Iran lodge a complaint with FIFA on Thursday. After playing Belgium in Los Angeles on Sunday, these rules will force Iran to immediately return to Mexico. Their next game, against Egypt, will also be held in the US. Soccer 50,000 Scottish World Cup fans cause good-natured cha…

US official says Iran knew team would have to leave the country shortly ... By Canadian Press on June 16, 2026. The U.S. is pushing back oncomplaints from Iran’s national teamthat it was forced to leave the country immediately after its firstWorld Cupmatch instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all along. “We were clear this was the process,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said after Monday’s night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand that the team had been ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours later. Ghalenoei said the team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game. Iran winger Mehdi Torabi’s entry visa also expired after the first game and team officials said they were working to get him a new visa to allow him to travel with the team for future matches. Giuliani said during an interview broadcast Monday night on CBS News that some of the Iranian team’s support staff and team officials were denied entry into the U.S. B…

US official says Iran knew team would have to leave the country shortly ... The Associated Press June 16, 2026, 6:34 PM WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. is pushing back oncomplaints from Iran’s national teamthat it was forced to leave the country immediately after its firstWorld Cupmatch instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all along. “We were clear this was the process,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said after Monday’s night’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand that the team had been ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours later. Ghalenoei said the team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game. Iran winger Mehdi Torabi’s entry visa had also expired after the first game. Team officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon that they had secured him a new, multiple-entry visa allowing him to travel into the U.S. for future matches. “This issue has been resolved,” the State Department said Tuesday. “As soon as we became aware of the i…

US official says Iran knew team would have to leave the country shortly ... Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei walks off the field after a draw during the World Cup Group G soccer match between Iran and New Zealand in Inglewood, Calif., near Los Angeles, Monday, June 15, 2026. Credit: AP/Mark J. Terrill By The Associated Press Updated June 16, 2026 6:34 pm Share WASHINGTON — The U.S. is pushing back on complaints from Iran's national team that it was forced to leave the country immediately after its first World Cup match instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all along. “We were clear this was the process,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said after Monday's night's 2-2 draw with New Zealand that the team had been ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours later. Ghalenoei said the team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game. Iran winger Mehdi Torabi's entry visa had also expired after the first game. Team officials confirm…

Iran football team faces 'oppressed' travel conditions in US during ... Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. Iran football team faces 'oppressed' travel conditions in US during World Cup World 1 min. Read Iran football team faces ‘oppressed’ travel conditions in US during World Cup By CurrentIndia.com June 21, 2026 Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Iranian football team files complaint to FIFA over US restrictions The United States is standing by its travel restrictions on Iran’s World Cup team, with the White House official overseeing the tournament defending the measures as the Iranian soccer federation pushes ahead with a formal complaint to FIFA.Andrew Giuliani, executive director of the White House Task Force for the World Cup, told Reuters on Saturday that the current plan remains in place despite Iran’s objections. The team is only allowed to travel to match venues within 24 hours of kickoff and must return to their training base in Tijuana, Mexico immediately after each game.Iran’s soccer federation announced Thursday it would lodge a complaint with FIFA after its…

How mistreatment and bias against Iran at US-hosted 2026 World Cup became FIFA's indelible stain Systemic visa denials, border delays, harassment, and security failures against Iran at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the US expose FIFA's hypocrisy and football's transformation into a NATO geopolitical battleground, leaving an indelible stain.

Iran says footballer's US visa expires after World Cup opener Iran says footballer’s US visa expires after World Cup opener Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox Iran's Mehdi Torabi, Arya Yousefi and Payam Niazmand during the warm up before the match between Iran and New Zealand on June 15. PHOTO: REUTERS Published Jun 16, 2026, 05:12 PM Updated Jun 16, 2026, 05:12 PM TEHRAN – An Iranian national football team player’s US visa has expired, state media reported on June 16 , leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington. Winger Mehdi Torabi was issued only a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on June 15 . “Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” state news agency IRNA reported. The Iranian Football Federation “has taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, so that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming…

Iran at the World Cup: War, Visa Issues, Ticket Problems and a Pride Match - Newsweek By Jesus Mesa Politics Reporter 0 Share Newsweek is a Trust Project member See more of our trusted coverage when you search. Prefer Newsweek on Google to see more of our trusted coverage when you search. Iran 's national soccer team landed across the Mexican border from California early Sunday, ending months of doubt over whether it would reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup at all. The players stepped off the plane wearing gold lapel pins reading "168," a reference to the people killed, most of them children, in a February 28 missile strike on a girls' school in southern Iran on the first day of the war with the United States and Israel. Days before the tournament's June 11 opening, Iran is the only team arriving from a country effectively at war with one of the three hosts—the U.S., Mexico and Canada. Its participation has triggered a cascade of off-field disputes over visas, tickets and a group-stage match that has become a flashpoint in the culture wars, turning the sport's biggest event into a stage for the conflict between Tehran and Washington. Iran opens against New Zealand in Inglewood, near Lo…

2026 World Cup: Iran's football coach says US travel rules continue to disrupt preparations As the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues in the US, Canada and Mexico, Iran is to play Belgium later today. Iran’s coach, however, says his team is still being treated unfairly by the US through travel restrictions and visa refusals. Story by Natasha Li.

Iran says World Cup ticket allocation for supporters revoked by US IRAN’S FOOTBALL FEDERATION on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for its World Cup group games, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row. The US has presented a number of bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including refusing to issue visas for some of its support staff, as the two countries remain at war after the US and Israel attacked the country in late February. “With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup… the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team’s three group stage matches,” the federation said in a statement. The Iranian football body said Fifa regulations dictate that it should be allocated 8% of tickets for each match, which are given to participating federations for distribution to their supporters through official channels. According to the statement, Iran had already begun ticket sales for group stage matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt …

US official says Iran knew team would have to leave country shortly ... The Trump administration is pushing back on complaints from Iran’s national team that it was forced to leave the U.S. immediately after its first World Cup match instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all a... WASHINGTON --The U.S. is pushing back oncomplaints from Iran's national teamthat it was forced to leave the country immediately after its firstWorld Cupmatch instead of having a day to recover in a hotel, saying that was the plan for the team all along. “We were clear this was the process,” Andrew Giuliani, the executive director of the White House FIFA Task Force, told The Associated Press on Tuesday. Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said after Monday's night's 2-2 draw with New Zealand that the team had been ordered to leave the U.S. and return to its training base in Mexico only a few hours later. Ghalenoei said the team had expected to spend the night in California to maximize the normal recovery process after its opening game. Iran winger Mehdi Torabi's entry visa had also expired after the first game. Team officials confirmed Tuesday afternoon that they ha…

A World Cup of exclusion? US immigration policies weigh on FIFA tournament The Iranian football team have this week criticised their treatment in the US, with the team's head coach saying they're being 'oppressed' at the World Cup. Iran - one of four countries that have been hit by a travel ban - have faced restrictions, visa complications, and logistical disruptions linked to the war in the Middle East. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Dr. Lindsay Krasnoff, Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU’s Tisch institute for Global Sport.

Iran to complain to FIFA over World Cup travel restrictions - ESPN Iran's soccer federation said Thursday it will lodge a complaint with FIFA after its request to travel to Los Angeles two days before Sunday's World Cup match againstBelgiumwas denied. Iran's base camp was moved from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, ahead of the tournament and the team has said it is unfairly being made to travel to matches the day before games and return immediately after. -Welcome to 'Tehrangeles': Watching Iran with L.A.'s Iranian community- 'Oppressed' Iran forced to leave U.S. after New Zealand draw Team Melli made the 127-mile charter flight from Tijuana International Airport to Los Angeles International Airport the day before its opening 2-2 draw againstNew Zealandon Monday, a typically short trip that team captainMehdi Taremisaid instead took five hours, including security and immigration checks. Iran returned to Mexico right after the match, which ended about 8 p.m. Pacific. The team had hoped to stave off travel for a day after the game. Speaking after the game,coach Amir Ghalenoei saidhis team is perhaps "the most oppressed team in the whole World Cup." In a statement, the federation no…

Iran Says Footballer's US Visa Expires After World Cup Opener An Iranian national football team player’s United States visa has expired, state media reported Tuesday, leaving his future at the World Cup shrouded in doubt with Tehran engulfed in a bitter diplomatic row with Washington. Iran Says Footballer’s US Visa Expires After World Cup Opener Winger Mehdi Torabi was only issued a single-entry visa instead of the multiple-entry visa given to other Iranian national team players to take part in the global spectacle, where Team Melli earned a 2-2 draw with New Zealand in their opening match on Monday. “Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” state news agency IRNA reported. The Iranian Football Federation “has taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, so that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming matches”, it added. The agency did not disclose if Torabi successfully departed the US but said “all members of the national team are on board the aircraft” that was leaving the United States for Mexico after the match. The United States and tournament organisers did…

Palestinian football chief says US denied him visa to attend World Cup <p>Jibril Rajoub attended opening match in Mexico but becomes latest football official hit by US visa issues, he says</p><p>The head of the Palestinian Football Association has said he is unable to travel to the United States with other federation heads attending the 2026 Fifa World Cup because he has not been issued a visa.</p><p>Jibril Rajoub went to the opening match between <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/world-cup-2026-opening-ceremony-review-shakira-burna-boy-mexico">Mexico and South Africa</a> in Mexico City on Thursday. But he is among several people accredited to attend the World Cup who have been denied visas or have yet to receive them from the United States.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/12/palestinian-football-chief-says-us-denied-him-visa-to-attend-world-cup">Continue reading...</a>

World Cup overshadowed by US travel restrictions and the war in Iran A Somali referee has been prevented from officiating at the World Cup after he was refused entry into the US. This comes as many fans having bought tickets for the competitions have also seen their visa demands refused, and Iran's football federation claims its ticket allocation was withdrawn days before kickoff. FRANCE 24's Angela Diffley looks at the impact of the US's travel restrictions and war in Iran on the competition.

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Iran Football Federation slams abrupt US decision to cancel its ticket quota The Iranian Football Federation condemns in the strongest terms the abrupt decision by US authorities to cancel its ticket quota and obstruct the sale of tickets to Team Melli fans.

World Cup: Iran says ticket allocation for World Cup withdrawn just days before tournament starts Somali referee Omar Artan has been denied entry into the US GB NEWS ByLewis Henderson, Published: 09/06/2026 Updated: 09/06/2026 Iran's national team have already had their training base relocated from the US to Mexico Iran has claimed its ticket allocation for the World Cup has been withdrawn just days before the tournament gets underway. Iran's football federation (FFIRI) said their tickets have been pulled, leaving supporters in jeopardy over their travel plans. The FFIRI said: "This is despite the fact that many Iranian football fans, relying on the officially announced process, had already made the necessary plans to attend the matches." Iran are due to kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 16 in Los Angeles. They will then face Belgium on June 21 before concluding their group stage matches against Egypt. Iran's World Cup squad was granted visas to enter the United States on June 6, just 10 days before their tournament opener. However, several senior staff members remain without permission to enter the country. According to Iran's semi-officia…

US refuses to ease Iran World Cup travel restrictions for Belgium match Andrew Giuliani says Iran&#039;s players will not be allowed to stay longer for their group matches in the US.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup 2026 travel restrictions Team&#039;s complaint comes amid the denial of their request to fly to the United States two days before their next match.

Iran's treatment at World Cup 'a dark point' for football: Official Iran’s treatment at World Cup ‘a dark point’ for football: Official Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox Iran play Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21. PHOTO: REUTERS Published Jun 20, 2026, 09:19 AM Updated Jun 20, 2026, 04:56 PM Listen TIJUANA – Iran’s treatment at the World Cup in North America is a “dark point” in the history of the competition, a leading Iranian football official said on June 19 . Hedayat Mombeini, the secretary-general of the Iranian football federation, was speaking to reporters the day after his organisation said it would lodge a complaint with FIFA , claiming that the team were being subjected to travel restrictions that were jeopardising its performance. “This is a major international tournament. This sort of breaking of our rules and our agreements, in my opinion, calls football itself into question,” he said at the team’s training base in Tijuana, Mexico. “I believe this will mark a dark point in the World Cup’s recent history.” Iran wanted to fly to the United States two days before their next match, against Belgium in Los Angeles on June 21 (June 22, Singapore time) ,…

Iran says US has revoked World Cup ticket allocation for their supporters Iranian players and support staff got US visas and landed in Mexico on Sunday for the World Cup, but now fans in doubt.

Iran accuses US of ‘vindictive behaviour’ with visa denials ahead of World Cup | The Straits Times Iran accuses US of ‘vindictive behaviour’ with visa denials ahead of World Cup Sign up now: Get the biggest sports news in your inbox An Iranian photo showing members of Iran’s national soccer team before their departure for Tijuana, Mexico, on June 6, to take part in the World Cup. PHOTO: EPA Published Jun 07, 2026, 05:21 AM Updated Jun 07, 2026, 05:21 AM Listen Summarise Iran Football Federation accuses the US of "vindictive behaviour" for denying visas to 14 officials for World Cup matches. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said visas were denied due to concerns about delegates' ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The visa denials impact team preparation for upcoming matches in the US, amid high US-Iran tensions since the February war. AI generated TEHRAN - The Iran Football Federation (IFF) is accusing the United States of “vindictive behaviour” regarding the refusal of visas for managerial and administrative members of its World Cup travelling party. IFF said 14 officials and staffers have been refused visas prior to upcoming matches in Inglewood, California, and Seat…

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup travel restrictions The Iranian World Cup team will lodge a complaint with world football association FIFA over the unfair travel restrictions imposed on them during the North American tournament, Iran's football federation said Thursday.

World Cup tickets for Iran fans revoked, says country's federation FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation forIranfans at the team's three World Cup games in the United States, the national football federation said Tuesday. Each federation for the 48 teams taking part is entitled to receive and distribute 8% of stadium capacity at the World Cup, adding up to several thousands of tickets for each game. Just days before Iran begin their World Cup campaign on June 15 at the Los Angeles Rams' stadium in Inglewood against New Zealand, the federation claimed in a statement reported by semi-official state media that it was now unable to provide any tickets to its supporters. FIFA was approached for comment. The claim adds to the turmoil between Iranian soccer, FIFA and tournament co-host the U.S., which began military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28. -Iran arrive in Mexico ahead of World Cup; defender criticizes FIFA over visas Iran's team is now based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana instead of its pre-war plan to train in Tucson, Arizona. Some federation officials also have been denied visas to enter the U.S., where Iran also playBelgiumin Inglewood on June 21 and thenEgyptin Sea…

Iran's World Cup squad lands in Mexico amid ongoing visa drama with US ByMAX WINTERS, US DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR Published:10:39 EDT, 7 June 2026|Updated:13:56 EDT, 7 June 2026 190 Viewcomments The Iranian World Cup squad have landed in Mexico amid a bitter diplomatic row after the United States refused to issue visas for some team support staff. The dispute erupted just days before Thursday's first game of the 2026 World Cup, which is being jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. After departing from their training camp in Turkey a day earlier, the Iran team landed early Sunday in the Mexican border city of Tijuana. The team will be based in the city throughout the tournament, despite playing their entire group stage in the United States. When they do play in the US, it will be the first World Cup to see a host nation receive the team of a country it is at war with. Iran's team has spent nearly three weeks at a training camp in Antalya, using their time in Turkey to apply for visas to travel to Mexico, Canada and the United States. The Iranian World Cup squad have landed in Mexico amid a bitter diplomatic World Cup row The Iran team landed early Sunday in …

Iran says U.S. has denied visas to key World Cup officials - ESPN ANTALYA, Turkey --Iran's soccer federation has accused the United States of "vindictive behavior" after saying that visas were refused for "key managerial and administrative members" of its World Cup team. The Iran Football Federation's secretary-general, Hedayat Mombeini, and its vice president, Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, were among 14 backroom staff and officials without U.S. visas before games in Los Angeles and Seattle, according to Iranian state television. It was unclear whether the federation's president, Mehdi Taj, had been issued a visa. -Iran players: U.S. politics, war affect WC prep Iran's team set off from Turkey for its training base in Mexico on Saturday before three group matches in the United States later this month. Officials who have been denied visas were due to travel to Mexico while efforts continued to obtain them, Iranian news agency Tasnim reported. The team's participation in the World Cup has been complicated by the Iran war. Problems with processing visas had earlier led Iran to move its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, which is on the border with California. The de…

Iran soccer body claims fans' tickets for World Cup games in the US ... Fans for team Iran wave as players arrive for the World Cup soccer tournament in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, June 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) Iran’s Ehsan Hajisafi arrives with his teammates for the World Cup soccer tournament in Tijuana, Mexico, Sunday, June 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull) President Donald Trump shakes hands with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he presented with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize during the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw at the Kennedy Center, Dec. 5, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) TIJUANA, Mexico (AP) — FIFA has revoked the ticket allocation for Iran fans at the team’s threeWorld Cupgames in the United States, the national soccer federation claimed Tuesday. Each federation for the 48 teams taking part is entitled to receive and distribute 8% of stadium capacity at the World Cup, adding up to several thousands of tickets for each game. Just days before Iran opens its World Cup — on June 15 at the Los Angeles Rams’ stadium in Inglewood against New Zealand — the federation claimed in a statement reported by semi-official state media that it was now unable to …

Iran says US revoked World Cup ticket allocation for supporters ... Iran's football federation on Tuesday said the United States has revoked its allocation of tickets for itsFifa World Cup groupgames, accusing the co-host of obstructing the attendance of Iranian supporters under the shadow of a bitter diplomatic row. The US has presented a number of bureaucratic hurdles for Iran at the global football spectacle, including refusing to issue visas for some of its support staff, as the two countries remain hostile after the US and Israel attacked the country in late February. "With less than three days remaining until the start of the 2026 World Cup... the United States has once again acted to obstruct the presence of Iranian supporters at the stadiums hosting the national team's three group stage matches," the federation said in a statement. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. TheIranian football body said Fifa regulationsdictate that it should be allocated eight percent of tickets for each match, which are given to participating federations for distribution to their supporters through official channels. According to the statement, Iran had alr…

Iran players: U.S. visa policies creating World Cup 'tension' - ESPN TIJUANA, Mexico --Irannational team forwardMehdi Taremisaid that steps the U.S. government has taken regarding the denial of visas and preventing a Somali referee from entering the country are hurting the country's image and creating a "lot of tension" around theWorld Cup. The team's participation in the World Cup, which begins Thursday and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, has been complicated by the Iran war. Iran arrived at their training camp in Mexico on Sunday morning from the Turkish city of Antalya on a private jet. Team Melli were originally going to have their World Cup training base in Tucson, Arizona, but at FIFA's suggestion, agreed to move their site to the Mexican border city of Tijuana. While the move allowed Iran's entire contingent of players and staff to travel to Mexico, 14 staff members were denied visas to enter the United States. All three of Iran's group stage games will be held in the U.S. "I've been to three World Cups and they always say once you get off the plane and you enter the host country, there's just a unique atmosphere of friendliness and glo…