Iranian Officials Barred from US for World Cup Participation

Eleven Iranian officials are still barred from entering the United States for the World Cup, while four members of Iran's World Cup delegation have successfully overturned visa refusals. This decision follows a series of appeals submitted after an initial wave of rejections affecting members of the Iran Football Federation.

According to BBC Sport, 15 individuals from Iran were denied entry, with 10 reapplying and arriving in Mexico for pre-tournament preparations. Among those granted visas are technical staff and analysts, but senior figures, including Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj and Vice President, have had their reapplications rejected.

The situation is complicated by heightened political tensions and scrutiny related to security affiliations with U.S. officials. U.S.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps face restrictions. Iran's national football team is scheduled to compete in the 2026 World Cup across venues in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, with matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt.