Iran still waiting on US visas for World Cup as football chief speaks out

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleIran's players will head to the World Cup this weekend (AFP/Getty)Iran's national football team secured a 2-0 friendly victory over Mali, bringing their warm-up record to three wins and one loss, as they prepare for the World Cup. Despite their successful warm-up matches, significant uncertainty surrounds Iran's participation in the World Cup due to unresolved US visas for their group stage games. The team is scheduled to depart for Tijuana, Mexico, after Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum agreed to host them following reported US reluctance to base the team in Arizona. Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj expressed serious concerns over the outstanding US visas, warning Fifa that “other decisions” might be taken if visas for players and staff are not issued. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that while the Iranian squad could enter the country, officials or staff with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US and Canada classify as a “terrorist entity”, would not be permitted. In fullIran World Cup participation in doubt as team awaits US visas ahead of flying to Mexico training baseThank 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

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