WANA (May 14) – Mehdi Taj stated that the United States has not yet provided any official response regarding which members of the Iran national football team have been granted visas for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

The president of Iran’s Football Federation said an upcoming meeting with FIFA could play a decisive role in clarifying the visa situation for the Iranian national team. According to Taj, FIFA must provide guarantees regarding the team’s travel, participation, and return arrangements.

 

He emphasized that no clear information has yet been received from the U.S. side about which individuals have or have not been issued visas. Taj also explained that Iran national team members are currently expected to travel to Ankara for fingerprinting procedures, although the federation is trying to arrange the process in Antalya instead.

 

Taj noted that Iran’s preparations for the World Cup are continuing as planned, adding: “We are carrying out all necessary preparations, but we are waiting to see how the other side will behave.”

 

He also referred to his discussions with Gianni Infantino, stressing that since Iran has qualified for the World Cup, FIFA, as the organizer of the tournament, must guarantee smooth travel, participation, and return for the Iranian national team.