Iran’s gamers arrive for a coaching session as a part of the workforce’s preparation for the upcoming soccer World Cup on the Iranian nationwide workforce’s base camp in Antalya on Could 26, 2026. — AFP
TEHRAN: Iran’s soccer federation expects Fifa to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the USA for the Iranian nationwide workforce forward of the 2026 World Cup, its president mentioned in a video broadcast by Iranian media Thursday.
“Fifa is expected to deliver a multiple-entry visa so that the players can enter (the United States) and return (to Mexico),” federation president Mehdi Taj mentioned.
Often known as “Team Melli”, the Iranian squad had initially deliberate to base itself in Tucson in Arizona throughout the event, however later moved its coaching camp to Tijuana in Mexico, which can co-host the World Cup alongside the US and Canada.
Taj beforehand mentioned the transfer was meant to keep away from problems associated to US visas and to permit the squad to journey on to Mexico aboard Iran Air flights.
Iran are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the USA.
“It is certain now that we will go to Mexico. The team is preparing,” Taj mentioned.
Iran’s participation within the World Cup had been unsure for months, with a backdrop of the Center East conflict triggered by the US-Israeli bombing marketing campaign in opposition to Iran on February 28.
The workforce will open their World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 earlier than dealing with Belgium in the identical metropolis and Egypt in Seattle later within the group stage.
On Thursday, Taj mentioned he was “not aware of the situation regarding Sardar Azmoun,” referring to Iran’s star striker, who was omitted from the preliminary squad record drawn up by the workforce’s supervisor.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 objectives for Iran and beforehand performed for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma, had beforehand voiced help for current anti-government protests.
He additionally confronted criticism in Iranian state media, together with accusations of treason after {a photograph} revealed in March confirmed him alongside the ruler of Dubai, the place he at the moment performs and resides.
On Monday, an Iranian vp known as for Azmoun to be reinstated to the nationwide workforce.
In a current Instagram put up, Azmoun mentioned he had as soon as rejected “a very large financial offer from another country” and described himself as “a son of Iran”.
