The FIFA World Cup Trophy is displayed during the Los Angeles stop of The FIFA World Cup 26 Trophy Tour by Coca-Cola at LA Live in Los Angeles on March 24, 2026. (Photo by Frederic J. Brown / AFP)
Iran’s sports minister said FIFA has promised the country’s men’s football team will receive visas to play in the United States at the World Cup this summer despite the ongoing Middle East war, local media reported on Monday.
Iran’s participation at the global spectacle has been in question for months because it is being co-hosted by the US, which along with Israel began bombing Iran on February 28, sparking a wider regional war.
“The FIFA president promised us that all our players would receive visas. There is no reason why our players should not receive visas,” said minister Ahmad Donyamali, quoted by local news agency ISNA.
“I hope that all the conditions will be met so that the national team can participate in the tournament in a calm and orderly manner.”
