RismadarVoice Reporters, June 16, 2026
Iran’s national football team has been hit by fresh visa complications after state media reported that winger Mehdi Torabi’s United States visa expired following the team’s opening World Cup match against New Zealand.
According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Torabi was issued a single-entry visa rather than the multiple-entry permits granted to other members of the squad, creating uncertainty over his ability to continue participating in the tournament in the United States.
The report stated that the player’s visa expired after Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles, leaving the Iranian Football Federation scrambling to secure a new travel document so he can rejoin the squad for upcoming fixtures.
Officials said efforts were underway to resolve the issue, although it remained unclear whether Torabi had already left the United States with the rest of the team.
IRNA added that the Iranian delegation departed for Mexico after the match, where the team has established its base camp due to ongoing security concerns linked to diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington.
The United States and tournament organisers have not publicly commented on the situation.
The visa issue is the latest in a series of administrative and travel complications affecting Iran’s participation in the tournament, with reports indicating that several members of the delegation were previously denied entry visas during the ongoing political strain between the two countries.
Additional reports also suggested that team captain Mehdi Taremi and a staff member experienced delays at a Los Angeles airport during departure procedures after the opening match.
Iran are scheduled to continue their Group G campaign against Belgium in Los Angeles before travelling to Seattle for their final group fixture against Egypt later this month.
