Investigation
Iran’s national team winger’s US visa expires after first World Cup game
Iran national team winger Mehdi Torabi could miss part of the 2026 FIFA World Cup after his United States visa expired, creating uncertainty over his availability for upcoming matches.
According to Iranian state news agency IRNA, Torabi was issued a single-entry visa for the tournament, unlike most members of the Iranian squad who reportedly received multiple-entry visas. The visa expired after Iran’s opening Group G match against New Zealand in Los Angeles, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
IRNA reported that following the team’s trip to the United States and the completion of the match, Torabi’s visa was no longer valid. The Iranian Football Federation has since begun efforts to secure a new visa to allow the winger continue travelling with the national team during the tournament.
The report did not confirm whether Torabi successfully left the United States before the visa expired. However, the agency stated that all members of the Iranian national team were aboard the aircraft that departed for Mexico after the match.
The development comes amid wider visa challenges affecting Iran’s World Cup delegation during a period of diplomatic tensions between Tehran and Washington. Iranian officials had earlier disclosed that around 15 members of the country’s delegation were denied US visas.
In a separate report, IRNA also claimed that Iran captain Mehdi Taremi and a member of the team’s staff experienced difficulties with authorities at Los Angeles International Airport while departing the United States after the draw against New Zealand.
Iran had previously moved its World Cup base to Mexico due to security concerns and has been travelling in and out of the United States for group-stage fixtures. The United States government and tournament organisers had not issued any official comment on Torabi’s visa situation at the time of reporting.
Iran are scheduled to face Belgium in their second Group G match on Sunday in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The outcome of ongoing visa discussions is expected to determine whether Torabi will be available for those fixtures.
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