Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation have successfully appealed against their denied US visas. However, 11 other essential members of the backroom staff have been barred from entering the US for the tournament. Washington officials confirmed that Iranian players were allowed entry, but Iran reported the rejection of entry for additional staff members.
The Iranian delegation, based in Mexico, saw 10 out of 15 members reapply for US visas after arriving in Mexico. Only four appeals were granted, permitting an analyst and two federation officials to enter the US. The remaining six applicants were denied entry again, as reported by the BBC.
Notable figures like the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, a vice president, daily operations administrators, a media officer, and a security officer were among those denied visas. Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino expressed joy over Iran’s participation, recalling his promise to ensure their presence at the World Cup. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio had previously stated that Iranian players were welcome, but individuals linked to the IRGC might face entry restrictions.