TEHRAN: Iran Soccer Federation expects FIFA to facilitate multiple-entry visas for the Iranian nationwide soccer crew forward of the 2026 World Cup in the USA, federation president Mehdi Taj mentioned on Thursday.
“FIFA is anticipated to ship a multiple-entry visa in order that the gamers can enter the USA and return to Mexico,” Taj mentioned in remarks broadcast by Iranian media.
Generally known as Crew Melli, the Iranian squad had initially deliberate to arrange its coaching base in Tucson, Arizona, throughout the match. Nonetheless, the crew later shifted its camp to Tijuana, Mexico, which is able to co-host the World Cup alongside the USA and Canada.
Taj beforehand mentioned the choice was geared toward avoiding attainable visa issues and permitting the crew to journey on to Mexico aboard Iran Air flights.
Iran are scheduled to play all three Group G matches in the USA. The crew will open its World Cup marketing campaign in opposition to New Zealand nationwide soccer crew in Los Angeles on June 15 earlier than dealing with Belgium nationwide soccer crew in the identical metropolis and Egypt nationwide soccer crew in Seattle later within the group stage.
Taj mentioned it was now sure the crew can be based mostly in Mexico as preparations for the match proceed.
Iran’s participation within the match had confronted uncertainty in current months amid regional tensions following the battle triggered by the US-Israeli bombing marketing campaign in opposition to Iran on February 28.
Taj additionally mentioned he was unaware of the most recent state of affairs involving star striker Sardar Azmoun, who was ignored of the nationwide crew’s preliminary squad checklist by the crew supervisor.
Azmoun, who has scored 57 worldwide targets for Iran and beforehand performed for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma, had publicly voiced help for anti-government protests in Iran.
The striker additionally confronted criticism in Iranian state media after {a photograph} printed in March confirmed him alongside Dubai’s ruler, the place he presently lives and performs membership soccer.
Learn extra, Mexico welcomes Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup crew
Earlier this week, an Iranian vp known as for Azmoun’s return to the nationwide squad. In a current Instagram submit, the striker mentioned he had rejected “a really giant monetary provide from one other nation” and described himself as “a son of Iran.”
