Iran players granted U.S. visas, officials denied entry - Businessday NG

Iran players granted U.S. visas, officials denied entry

Iran’s national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but several senior officials and support staff have reportedly been denied entry permits, sparking diplomatic tension.

U.S. Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack confirmed that visa processing for Iran’s players had been completed, praising embassy staff for their role in facilitating travel for the tournament.

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“Proud of our outstanding team at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for their work processing visas for Iran’s national football team on their road to the FIFA World Cup in the United States,” Barrack wrote on X. “Sports transcends borders, and we look forward to welcoming competitors and fans from around the world.”