Iran's road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup has hit a major roadblock, with the nation's participation still uncertain as visa issues remain unresolved. With just weeks until the tournament kicks off on June 11, the Iranian national team is in a tense waiting game, and a pivotal FIFA meeting could be the deciding factor.
Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj has confirmed that a "decisive meeting" with FIFA is on the horizon, as the team's safety and ability to travel to the U.S. hang in the balance. "Tomorrow or the day after, we will have a decisive meeting with FIFA," Taj told state news agency IRNA. "They must give us guarantees. We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet."
This uncertainty comes amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, with U.S. and Israeli strikes in the region raising concerns for the squad's safety—concerns that were amplified by U.S. President Donald Trump's calls to exclude Iran from the tournament. Iran has fired back with its own demand to have the U.S. Men's National Team removed from the competition.
Despite a ceasefire agreement now in place between the U.S. and Iran, the visa situation remains a major sticking point. The World Cup is scheduled to begin on June 11, and just this week, thousands of supporters gathered at a send-off rally for the team in Tehran, showing the nation's passion for the game.
Iran is set to play all three of its group stage matches on U.S. soil, opening against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by a clash with Belgium at SoFi Stadium on June 21, and wrapping up Group G action against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. It's a challenging slate, but the first hurdle is simply getting there.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has offered a vote of confidence, declaring at the annual congress in Vancouver last month: "Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America." But with no visas issued yet and a crucial meeting ahead, the clock is ticking for Iran's World Cup dream.