Shock Before World Cup 2026: Iran Urgently Appeals to FIFA Over Visa Crisis Threatening Tournament Preparations
Just weeks before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iran faces a growing visa crisis that could disrupt its preparations, prompting the national federation to send an urgent request to FIFA while the team continues its training camp and recent winning momentum.
🚨 Visa Crisis Creates Major Concern for Iran Ahead of World Cup 2026
Iran's national team has entered a crucial phase of preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but administrative challenges are now creating uncertainty around the squad's plans.
⚽ While players remain focused on training and tactical preparations, football officials are working urgently to secure the necessary travel documents required for the tournament.
📌 The issue has become one of the most important topics surrounding Iran's World Cup campaign as officials seek clarity regarding visa approvals.
🌍 Training Camp Relocation Sparks New Challenges
Iran recently moved its World Cup training camp from Arizona in the United States to Tijuana, Mexico.
🔴 The decision came after complications involving travel arrangements and visa procedures.
✅ Tijuana was selected due to its strategic location near the U.S. border, allowing easier access to match venues once all administrative requirements are completed.
⚠️ However, the relocation also increased the need for additional travel permits and multiple-entry visas.
📩 Iran Sends Urgent Message to FIFA
Facing uncertainty, the Iranian Football Federation has submitted an urgent request to FIFA asking for a clear timeline regarding visa issuance.
📝 Officials require multiple-entry visas for both Mexico and the United States due to the team's planned travel schedule during the tournament.
⏳ The federation hopes the matter will be resolved quickly to avoid any disruption to the team's final preparations.
⚽ Tough Group Awaits Iran
Iran will compete in Group G alongside:
✅ Egypt
✅ Belgium
✅ New Zealand
🔥 The group is expected to be highly competitive, with each nation targeting a place in the knockout rounds.
🏆 Iran hopes to rely on its experienced squad and recent international performances to make a strong impact.
💪 Valuable Victory Over Gambia
Away from the visa concerns, Iran delivered an impressive comeback victory against Gambia in a recent international friendly.
⚽ Gambia opened the scoring through Omar Colley before halftime.
🔥 Iran responded brilliantly after the break.
⚽ Arya Yousefi scored the equalizer.
⚽ Ramin Rezaeian added the second goal.
⚽ Star striker Mehdi Taremi completed the comeback with a third goal.
🎯 The 3-1 victory provided a major confidence boost ahead of the World Cup.
⭐ Full Focus on Football
Despite the off-field challenges, the coaching staff continues to keep the squad fully focused.
🏃♂️ Training sessions continue normally.
🎯 Tactical preparations remain on schedule.
⚽ Players are concentrating on performance.
💪 Team morale remains strong.
🔴 The federation now hopes administrative issues will be resolved quickly so the squad can focus entirely on football.
⏳ Countdown to the World Cup
As the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, attention remains fixed on the visa situation.
🚨 The coming days could be decisive.
🌍 FIFA is expected to provide clarity.
⚽ The team is ready.
🔥 And Iranian fans are hoping this obstacle will soon become a thing of the past as the World Cup dream draws closer.
Al Ahly are currently reviewing the future of midfielder Mohamed Magdy “Afsha”, with discussions underway over a possible contract extension. However, the final decision remains pending the approval of the new head coach, who will determine the player’s role within the squad for the upcoming season.
The UAE athletics team delivered a historic performance by winning 5 gold medals at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, showcasing a rising generation of athletes capable of competing at the highest continental level.
Zamalek SC is set to hold a decisive meeting involving the sporting director, coaching staff, and club management to finalize squad restructuring plans, determine player departures and loan decisions, and shape the strategy for the upcoming season and CAF Champions League campaign.
Mohamed Salah appeared for the final time in Liverpool training ahead of his emotional farewell match at Anfield



