Iran’s national football team has received approval to travel to the United States after authorities granted visas to players and essential members of its World Cup delegation, clearing a major hurdle ahead of the 2026 tournament.

The decision resolves weeks of uncertainty over Iran’s participation in matches scheduled in the United States, one of the three co-hosts of the competition alongside Canada and Mexico.

US officials confirmed the approval on Monday, just days before Iran’s opening Group-stage match against New Zealand, set for June 15 in Los Angeles.

In an official statement, authorities disclosed that “the visas necessary for Iran to compete in the World Cup, including for athletes and necessary support staff, have been issued.”

However, officials stressed that the entry process would remain under strict oversight, warning that the United States would not permit the Iranian delegation to “abuse this system to sneak terrorists into the United States under false pretenses.”

The Iranian Football Federation has yet to issue a formal response to the development.

Visa complications had disrupted the team’s preparations in recent weeks, forcing a change of training base. Iran initially planned to camp in Tucson, Arizona, but later relocated to Mexico after delays in securing travel documentation. Federation president Mehdi Taj had earlier linked the adjustment to visa challenges affecting members of the delegation.

Reports from Iranian media also indicated that several technical and administrative staff were still awaiting clearance until late last week, adding to uncertainty surrounding the squad’s final preparations.

The issue drew further attention after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed lawmakers that individuals associated with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps would not be permitted entry into the country as part of World Cup arrangements. While some Iranian players have previously completed mandatory service linked to the organisation, no restrictions have been placed on squad members themselves.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to kick off on June 11 and will be the largest edition in the tournament’s history, featuring 48 participating teams for the first time.

Iran’s participation is also notable as it marks a rare instance of a host nation admitting a team from a country with which it has ongoing political tensions, adding an additional layer of global attention to the tournament.