Iran's national football team took a significant step toward confirming their participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup on Thursday, as the entire squad attended visa appointments in Ankara, Turkey. All players applied for Canadian visas, while some also sought US visas, reflecting the complex logistics of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Visa Applications and Tournament Schedule
The Iranian squad is scheduled to play all three group-stage matches in the United States, meaning that Canadian visas will only be required if the team advances to the knockout rounds. The appointments in Ankara mark a crucial milestone in preparations that have been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions.
Impact of Ongoing Conflict
Preparations for the World Cup have been severely complicated by the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel. This conflict led to the suspension of Iran's domestic football league, leaving many players without competitive match action for seven weeks. Coach Amir Ghalenoei's squad is currently holding a pre-tournament training camp in Antalya, Turkey, in an effort to regain match fitness.
Political and Football Leadership
Despite initial suggestions from former US President Donald Trump that Iran should not be allowed to participate in the tournament, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran's involvement. Trump later appeared to support Iran being allowed to play, easing some concerns over a potential ban. The team's visa applications represent a positive step toward their World Cup campaign, though the shadow of conflict remains.
Iran's path to the World Cup has been fraught with challenges, but the squad remains determined to compete on the global stage. The visa process in Ankara is a key part of ensuring their participation, and the team will continue their preparations in Turkey before heading to the United States for the tournament.
