Tehran accuses US of discrimination over visas for Iran's national football team

Iran has accused the United States of "discriminatory treatment" for refusing to issue visas to some members of the Iranian delegation traveling to the FIFA World Cup.

According to Report, citing The Times of Israel, the accusation was made in a statement by Iran's embassy in Türkiye.

"Why do you not mention that visas were denied to a significant portion of the managerial and executive staff, technical advisers, and other individuals who are an integral part of any national football team?" the embassy said in response to comments by US Ambassador to Türkiye Tom Barrack, who stated that visas had been issued to members of Iran's national team.

The Iranian diplomatic mission noted that the situation demonstrates discriminatory treatment toward the country's national team.

It was previously reported that members of Iran's national football team were issued visas earlier this week. The procedure was carried out at the Mexican Embassy in Türkiye without the players being required to appear in person.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be held from June 11 to July 19 in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Iran will compete in Group G alongside Belgium, Egypt, and New Zealand.