Iran’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign has been hit by fresh off-field controversy after winger Mehdi Torabi’s United States visa expired midway through the tournament, raising uncertainty over his continued participation in the competition.
According to Iranian state media, Torabi was issued a single-entry visa, unlike several of his teammates who received multiple-entry permits, allowing him limited access to the United States during the global tournament.
The development came after Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday, a match that marked their opening fixture of the World Cup. Following the game, the Iranian Football Federation confirmed that Torabi’s visa had expired, prompting urgent efforts to secure a new entry permit.
“Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” Iran’s state news agency IRNA reported.
The federation added that it had already begun the process of obtaining a new visa to ensure the winger can rejoin the squad for upcoming fixtures.
Iranian authorities, however, did not confirm whether Torabi had successfully departed the United States with the rest of the squad, stating only that all team members were on a flight bound for Mexico after their opening match.
The incident adds to a growing list of visa-related complications affecting Iran’s World Cup delegation amid strained diplomatic relations with the United States.
Earlier reports indicated that several members of Iran’s football federation and support staff were denied US visas, forcing the team to relocate its base camp to Mexico and travel into the United States only for matches.
Iran is scheduled to face Belgium in its second Group G encounter in Los Angeles on Sunday before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
The United States and FIFA have yet to issue an official response to the latest visa complication involving the Iranian winger.
VANGUARD