Iranian Forward Secures U.S. Visa to Contest Remaining World Cup Matches

Iranian forward Mehdi Torabi has been granted a U.S. visa that will enable him to participate in the remainder of the World Cup, a team official confirmed on Tuesday.

Torabi, who had been an unused substitute in the squad’s 2‑2 draw with New Zealand, originally held only a single‑entry visa. This limitation forced the team to orchestrate a rapid solution so that he could travel back to face Belgium on Sunday.

“After coordination between the Football Federation and FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple‑entry visa today,” the official noted.

“With this visa in place, Torabi can accompany the national team on all forthcoming matches and remain available to travel with the squad throughout the tournament,” the official added.

Iran’s final group match is scheduled against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

The visa matter represents the latest hurdle confronting the Iranian team in the run‑up to the World Cup.

The team’s participation had been uncertain since the United States and Israel launched a military operation against Iran in late February.

In retaliation, Tehran targeted U.S. allies in the region, struck infrastructure, and closed the Strait of Hormuz—a critical waterway through which 20 percent of the world’s oil flows.

A plan to station the team in Arizona was abandoned at the eleventh hour, and a new base camp was set up in Tijuana, Mexico.

U.S. officials denied visas to more than a dozen support staff, preventing them from traveling to the matches.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei described Iran as “the most oppressed team in the World Cup” after players were abruptly informed they must return to Mexico immediately following their opening game.

“They delayed our arrivals and are now forcing us to leave early, leaving no time for recovery,” Ghalenoei told reporters.

“They are creating more obstacles, but we will not allow that to hinder our performance,” he added.

Source link