US grants Iran team visas 10 days before World Cup opener
What's new: Washington cleared players and necessary staff, but signaled it will screen out anyone tied to the IRGC.
Iran's national soccer team has received visas to enter the United States for the 2026 World Cup, clearing a major hurdle less than two weeks before its opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. US officials said visas were issued for athletes and necessary support staff. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had told lawmakers the administration would permit the team to compete but would closely vet the delegation for any links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. ABC reported Iran is expected to stay in Mexico during the tournament, partly because of complications tied to US sanctions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously indicated Iran would take part in matches in the US.