World Cup 2026: Iranian Player Faces Risk of Missing Match Due to US Visa Issues

Torabi, 31, was not used in Iran's 2-2 draw with New Zealand on June 15. The player is believed to have ties to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

According to FFIRI, while other Iranian players received multiple-entry visas to travel between Mexico and the US during the tournament, Torabi was only granted a single-entry visa.

An FFIRI spokesperson said: “After traveling to Los Angeles and completing the match against New Zealand, Torabi’s visa expired. The federation is now processing procedures to apply for a new visa so that the player can continue to accompany the team in upcoming matches.”

The Iranian team is based in the border city of Tijuana (Mexico) and travels to the US for group-stage matches. The first two games are held in Los Angeles, while the final match will take place against an opponent in Seattle.

Iran will face Belgium on June 21. If Torabi wants to join the team in California to prepare for this match, he must obtain a new visa no later than June 20.

The US government currently lists the IRGC on its "blacklist." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that Washington would not allow individuals linked to the IRGC to enter the country alongside team members.

Besides Torabi, Mr. Mahdi Mohammad Nabi, Iran’s team supervisor, is among 15 FFIRI officials denied visas to the US for the World Cup. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei believes that travel difficulties stemming from tensions between Iran and the US have negatively impacted the morale and performance of Iranian players in their recent match against New Zealand.