Iran's chaotic World Cup campaign has hit another snag, with winger Mehdi Torabi caught up in a visa issue following the opener against New Zealand.
The problem adds to a growing list of frustrations for Iran, who drew 2-2 with New Zealand and are already dealing with travel and recovery issues linked to their base across the border in Tijuana.
With matches against Belgium and Egypt looming, even a single paperwork error can have significant consequences.
Torabi's situation is especially unusual because it involves a different visa arrangement from the rest of the squad.
Photo by Richard Heathcote – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
According to James Ducker on X , Torabi's US visa expired after he entered the country for the opening match.
"It gets worse for Iran. Winger Mehdi Torabi's visa to the US expired following his entry to the country on Sunday ahead of the New Zealand game," Ducker said.
He added, "While multiple entry visas were issued for the Iran players to travel to the US, Torabi's visa was valid for only one entry."
This poses a clear problem, as Iran are based in Tijuana, Mexico, but need to travel into the US for matches. A single-entry visa becomes invalid once used, leaving Torabi unable to re-enter the country without new clearance.
Although Torabi, who plays for Tractor, did not feature against New Zealand, his situation has quickly become part of a bigger story around Iran's World Cup logistics.
Ducker also reported that the issue could force Torabi to miss Iran's next two group matches.
"It means the Tractor winger will be unavailable for Iran's next two group games against Belgium and Egypt and will have to remain behind at the team's camp in Tijuana, unless he obtains a new visa," he continued.
"A spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation said action had been 'to obtain a new visa for Torabi so that he can continue to accompany the national team in its upcoming matches,'" Ducker concluded.
That statement is important because the story has moved quickly. Later reports indicated Iran had secured a new multi-entry visa for Torabi, clearing him to rejoin the squad for upcoming fixtures.
Even with the issue apparently resolved, the incident highlights the challenges Iran face. Cross-border travel, tight schedules and visa complications have all contributed to a difficult start, and Torabi's case shows how quickly things can unravel.
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