visa

Iran Must Leave US Immediately After Each World Cup Match, Officials Confirm

US officials have confirmed that Iran's national team must leave the country within hours of each group-stage match at the 2026 World Cup in Los Angeles and Seattle, sparking controversy over visa procedures. The team is allowed entry only one day before matches and must depart the same evening, forcing them to base themselves in Mexico. Coach Amir Ghalenoei and captain Mehdi Taremi have criticized the arrangement, citing logistical hardships and security checks.

Jun 16, 2026

Sports

FIFA Chief Defends US as World Cup Host Amid Visa Controversy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends the US as a World Cup host amid a visa controversy, stating FIFA cannot override US government decisions. The remarks follow the denial of entry to a Somali referee with a valid visa.

Jun 11, 2026

World

Iran team departs for Mexico amid visa dispute with US ahead of World Cup 2026

Iran has accused the United States of blocking visas for key members of its World Cup delegation, including the federation president and technical staff, as players head to Mexico. The football federation called the move a political and unsportsmanlike act, vowing to take the case to FIFA.

Jun 6, 2026

Sports

White House Confirms US Visas Issued for Iranian National Team Ahead of World Cup

The White House confirmed that Iranian football players have received US visas for the World Cup, though some staff remain without approval. The development comes amid US-Iran tensions, with the tournament serving as a geopolitical stage.

Jun 5, 2026

World

US plans to shrink visa processing network in Africa

The US State Department is considering consolidating visa processing in Africa from about 50 locations to 20, requiring applicants in many countries to travel further for interviews. The proposal, which does not change eligibility criteria, is expected to take effect within weeks. Analysts say it aligns with the Trump administration's broader immigration and foreign policy approach.

Jun 5, 2026

Sports

Iran’s national team submits passports to U.S. embassy for World Cup visas

Iran's football federation has submitted players' passports to the U.S. embassy in Turkey for World Cup visas following FIFA's instructions. The team plans to train in Mexico while all their group-stage matches are in the U.S. The federation president expressed confidence visas will be issued without problems despite ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.

Jun 5, 2026

World

Iran and Fans Face Visa Barriers and War Ahead of World Cup

Iran's national team and its supporters face tremendous hurdles with US visa rejections and the ongoing US-Israel war, jeopardizing their World Cup participation. High visa costs, rejection rates, and geopolitical tensions also deter many global fans from attending.

Jun 5, 2026

Sports

Iran National Team Receives Visa for 2026 World Cup

Iran's national football team has received visas for the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran confirmed the development after negotiations with diplomatic and organizing bodies. The team can now focus on preparing for the tournament without administrative hurdles.

Jun 3, 2026

Sports

South Africa National Team Departs for World Cup Without Coach Due to Visa Issues

The South African national football team, Bafana Bafana, has departed for Mexico to prepare for the 2026 World Cup, but assistant coach Helman Mkhalele was left behind due to a U.S. visa problem. The flight was delayed one day because of the slow visa process.

Jun 2, 2026

Iran Must Leave US Immediately After Each World Cup Match, Officials Confirm

FIFA Chief Defends US as World Cup Host Amid Visa Controversy

Iran team departs for Mexico amid visa dispute with US ahead of World Cup 2026

White House Confirms US Visas Issued for Iranian National Team Ahead of World Cup

US plans to shrink visa processing network in Africa

Iran’s national team submits passports to U.S. embassy for World Cup visas

Iran and Fans Face Visa Barriers and War Ahead of World Cup

Iran National Team Receives Visa for 2026 World Cup

South Africa National Team Departs for World Cup Without Coach Due to Visa Issues

Iranian Ambassador Criticizes 'Northern Neighbor' Over US World Cup Visa Issue

Russia Accuses US of Violating UN Headquarters Agreement Over Visa Denial

Mexico Welcomes Iran’s National Team for 2026 World Cup After US Refusal

Iran moves World Cup base from US to Mexico after FIFA approval

Visa issuance for Iran World Cup team is host country's responsibility

FIFA and Iran Hold Positive Meeting on World Cup Participation

Japan's Ibaraki Prefecture Launches Reward Program for Whistleblowers on Illegal Foreign Workers

Iran formally sends off World Cup team en route to US

Low hotel bookings in US raise concerns for World Cup hospitality industry

U.S. Revokes Tourist Visas of Board Members of Costa Rica's Largest Newspaper

Iranian officials absent from football events ahead of World Cup in Canada