Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's World Cup preparations are in disarray after key coaching staff were denied visas for entry into the United States, leading to accusations of "discriminatory treatment". The Iranian embassy on X criticised the US government for what it called "politically-biased interference in sport" following the visa denials for managerial and executive personnel. The US State Department confirmed that visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup had been issued, but expressed concerns about the team being used to "sneak terrorists" into the country. Iran's ambassador to Mexico stated that the team will only be allowed into the US on matchdays and must depart immediately after games, preventing them from fulfilling pre-match obligations. This development follows months of uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament, with Trump previously questioning the appropriateness of their presence. In fullIran’s World Cup plans in chaos after ‘discriminatory’ visa denialsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Iran hits out at US as World Cup preparation under threat
Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's World Cup preparations are in disarray after key coaching staff were denied visas for entry into the United States, leading to accusations of "discriminatory treatment". The Iranian embassy on X criticised the US government for what it called "politically-biased interference in sport" following the visa denials for managerial and executive personnel. The US State Department confirmed that visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup had been issued, but expressed concerns about the team being used to "sneak terrorists" into the country. Iran's ambassador to Mexico stated that the team will only be allowed into the US on matchdays and must depart immediately after games, preventing them from fulfilling pre-match obligations. This development follows months of uncertainty over Iran's participation in the tournament, with Trump previously questioning the appropriateness of their presence. In fullIran’s World Cup plans in chaos after ‘discriminatory’ visa denialsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in
Iran's World Cup coaching staff denied US visas; embassy accused Washington of political interference while State Department cited security concerns. Team restricted to match-day entry only; the measure reflects geopolitical tensions affecting international operations planning.
