Controversial reaction of Iran’s Foreign Minister to the possibility of the U.S. not issuing visas for Iran’s national football team at the World Cup

According to the political service of Saed News analytical website, the 2026 World Cup is scheduled to be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year. At a time when there are multiple political disputes between Iran and the United States, a rumor has spread about the possibility of the U.S. not issuing visas and obstructing members of Iran’s national football team.

This issue was raised in an interview with Abbas Araghchi. In this regard, Araghchi said: “As far as I know, our matches in the preliminary round will be held in Mexico, and this discussion is not relevant for now.”

In response to the question of whether, if Iran’s national team advances to the second round, there would be a possibility of the U.S. not issuing visas, the Foreign Minister said: “When they raised the issue of non-issuance of visas, they said that this matter does not apply to athletes and sports teams. I find it very unlikely that such a thing would happen. It would be a major disgrace for the U.S. government not to issue visas to Iran’s national team, especially after a strong qualification for the World Cup. It is almost impossible for them not to grant visas to our delegation.”

Araghchi continued in this discussion, adding: “Pray that the national team advances from the first stage; the American visas for the players and technical staff are with us.”