Iran slams US ‘discriminatory treatment’ over World Cup visa refusals for staff

Iran has publicly criticized the United States, a co-host of the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, for what it describes as "discriminatory treatment" after visas were reportedly denied to several members of its national football team's technical and administrative staff. This diplomatic dispute arises just days before the tournament's commencement, despite Iranian players successfully receiving their travel documents.

The Iranian embassy in Turkey voiced strong objections on social media, questioning why the US had not acknowledged the refusal of visas for crucial managerial staff, executive members, and technical advisors, who are considered integral to any national team. Tehran views this action as a deliberate escalation of unequal treatment and politically motivated interference in the realm of sport, with reports indicating approximately 15 officials, including the head of the Iran Football Federation, were affected.

In response, a US official asserted that necessary visas for Iran's participation, including for athletes and essential support staff, had been issued, while also cautioning against any attempt to "sneak terrorists into the United States." The ongoing visa challenges have led Iran to relocate its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, as the team prepares for its first match in Los Angeles on June 15. Iran's Football Federation has declared its intention to raise the issue with FIFA, arguing that the US government's actions violate international sports regulations.