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According to a report post by Vangaurd on 21, Thursday May, 2026, at least four members of the Iran national football team and one team official visited the United States embassy in Ankara on Thursday to process visa applications ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to reports. The delegation, dressed in team training gear, was seen entering the embassy as preparations continue for the global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Iranian squad arrived earlier this week in the Turkish resort city of Antalya for a pre-World Cup training camp. The team is also expected to complete visa formalities at the Canadian embassy as part of travel arrangements for the tournament. Despite the absence of diplomatic relations between Iran and the United States since 1980, officials within the Iranian football federation remain optimistic about the process. Earlier this week, the federation’s vice-president expressed confidence in FIFA’s procedures regarding participating nations.
As part of their preparations, Team Melli will play two international friendly matches in Antalya against Gambia national football team on May 29 and Mali national football team on June 4. Iran have been placed in Group G of the tournament and will begin their campaign against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also scheduled to face Belgium national football team before concluding the group stage against Egypt national football team in Seattle. The Iranian side will be hoping to make history by reaching the knockout phase of the World Cup for the first time after failing to progress beyond the group stage in their previous six appearances.
