Overview
- Iran’s federation chief Mehdi Taj said Thursday that no U.S. visas have been issued for players or staff and that a “decisive” FIFA meeting is due within days.
- The team remains slated to base in Tucson, Arizona, where organizers at the Kino Sports Complex report frequent checks with FIFA, locked-in lodging, and tightened security.
- Entry risks stem from the U.S. terrorist designation of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which already led Canada to turn back Taj and could bar individuals with IRGC ties.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted Iran will play in the United States, while Iran has submitted roughly 10 demands covering visas, security, and respect for national symbols.
- Following Wednesday’s send-off rally in Tehran, the squad plans a training camp in Turkey where U.S. visa fingerprinting is expected, with officials trying to move the process from Ankara to Antalya.