Iran Denied Visa to Compete in Polo World Cup as U.S. Hosts
WANA (Oct 13) – The second edition of the Polo World Cup (Choogan) was recently held in the United States with the participation of six teams from four continents. However, despite qualifying for the tournament, Iran’s national team—one of the top contenders for the title—was denied entry visas by the host country, effectively barring its participation.
The final match of the tournament took place at the Roseland Polo Club between Argentina and the United States. The host team narrowly defeated Argentina 16–14, securing the championship title in the second edition of the Polo World Cup.
Iran, which had earned its place in the global event after a decisive victory in the qualifying round, was replaced by Pakistan, the same team it had previously eliminated in the qualifiers.
Polo 2025 winner. Social media/ WANA News Agency
This was not the first instance of the U.S. obstructing Iranian participation in international sporting events. Recently, the United States rejected visa applications for a nine-member Iranian football delegation, including Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, and Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of the national team. The move prevented them from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw ceremony in Washington, D.C.
The decision, first reported by Sports Business Journal, came despite an earlier executive order signed by U.S. President Donald Trump, which restricts travel from 12 countries—including Iran—but explicitly allows exceptions for major international sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympic Games.
The incident has cast uncertainty over Iran’s participation in upcoming international football and polo competitions, despite reassurances from FIFA officials that no restrictions would affect the team’s future matches.
Global Outcry Against FIFA and the U.S. After Political Move Against Iranian Football
WANA (Oct 04) – The U.S. government’s refusal to issue visas for Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Iran’s national football team, and Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw, has sparked widespread backlash among international users and media outlets. Many social media users described the move as […]
Choogan — The Ancient Persian Game
Choogan, known internationally as polo, traces its origins back over 2,000 years to ancient Persia (modern-day Iran), where it was played by kings, warriors, and nobility. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, Choogan symbolizes Iran’s deep equestrian culture and its historical influence on sports across Asia and beyond.
While the modern form of polo has gained global popularity, Iran continues to celebrate Choogan as part of its national identity, combining athleticism, teamwork, and traditional artistry in both horse breeding and horsemanship.
Iran Denied Visa to Compete in Polo World Cup as U.S. Hosts. Social media/ WANA News Agency
