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Iran players granted US visas but World Cup staff issue remains
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- Iran players granted US visas but World Cup staff issue remains
Photo by Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images
Iran's players have been granted visas to enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup, but some members of the team's wider staff have reportedly been refused entry.
The decision clears the playing squad to travel for group-stage matches in California and Washington, but it does not fully resolve the issue around Iran's wider delegation.
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The timing is significant, with the tournament now only 10 days away and Iran's preparations already altered by the uncertainty around travel approval.
Iran players cleared for World Cup matches in the United States
Photo by Orhan Cicek/Anadolu via Getty Images
Explain that Iran's players have been issued visas. Note that Iran are due to play New Zealand and Belgium at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, then Egypt at Lumen Field in Seattle.
Add that the approval came after days of uncertainty while passports were being processed through the US Embassy in Ankara.
Some Iran staff still face entry issue before tournament begins
Explain that some staff or delegation members were reportedly denied visas. Use careful language around the exact number and roles, because reports differ and not every individual has been officially named.
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Set out the preparation impact: Iran had been training in Antalya, Turkey, and moved their planned base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.
Include US policy context, phrased cautiously: US officials had said Iran would be welcome to play, but staff with IRGC links could be denied entry.
Conclude that the players' clearance removes the biggest immediate sporting problem, but the staff issue keeps the story active going into the opening week.
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