Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation have successfully appealed against their US visa rejections. However, 11 other crucial members, identified by Iran as integral to the national team’s support staff, will not be permitted entry when the team competes in the US. Washington officials confirmed that Iranian players can enter the US for the tournament, but last week, Iran revealed that additional staff members were denied entry.
The Iranian delegation is currently stationed in Mexico, where 10 out of 15 members submitted new visa applications to enter the US after arriving in Mexico. Only four of these appeals were granted, allowing an analyst and two officials from the federation’s international department entry to the US. The remaining six applicants were rejected once again.
Among those denied visas were the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, a federation vice president, two daily operations administrators, a media officer, and a security officer. Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed delight at Iran’s participation in the World Cup, recalling his promise to ensure their presence even if he had to personally transport them. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that Iranian players are welcome at the tournament, but individuals associated with the IRGC may face entry restrictions.
