Iranian Forward Torabi Secures Multiple-Entry Visa, Can Continue World Cup Campaign

2026 FIFA World Cup Key News

(Central News Agency, Tijuana, June 16) — A member of Iran's national football team announced today that forward Mehdi Torabi has obtained a U.S. visa, enabling him to participate in the remaining matches of the current World Cup tournament.

According to AFP, Torabi remained on the bench throughout Iran's opening match, which ended in a 2-2 draw against New Zealand. Initially granted only a single-entry permit, the team had urgently sought a solution to allow him to rejoin the squad in time for their June 21 match against Belgium.

"Following efforts by the football association and coordination with FIFA, the player has today been issued a new multiple-entry visa," said a team official.

"With the visa now secured, Torabi can join the Iranian national team for upcoming matches without any obstacles and will be able to remain with the team for the remainder of the World Cup campaign."

Iran's final group stage match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

This visa issue marks the latest challenge faced by Iran during their World Cup preparations.

Since the United States and Israel launched airstrikes against Iran in late February, questions have surrounded Iran's ability to participate in the tournament.

Iran had originally planned to base their team in Arizona, USA, but canceled the plan at the last minute and instead established a new training base in Tijuana, Mexico.

U.S. officials even denied visas for over ten support staff members, preventing them from traveling to join the team for the competition. (Translation: Chen Yu-Ting) 1150617

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