Trump administration may nod one more team out of World Cup last minute

©picture alliance / Photoshot | -

Serious concerns overshadow the tournament just before the first whistle. Just days before the start of the World Cup, FIFA faces one of the doomsday scenarios feared in advance. After all, the U.S. government did not issue all the requested visas to the Iranian delegation, creating a delicate situation that could quickly take on a diplomatic dimension and cause a global media storm in no time.

After several weeks of waiting, the Iranian Football Federation finally received a response from U.S. authorities regarding the entry of its delegation into the territory of the United States, where the team is to play its three group matches. Although the players and technical staff obtained the required permission, several members of the support staff were barred. In particular, the visa rejections concern security officers, logistics personnel and some representatives of the Iranian Federation. The decision significantly complicates the organization of the Iranian selection ahead of the tournament.

Just days before the start of the World Cup, the FIFA is trying to prevent a political issue from monopolizing global attention just when all eyes should be on the field. FIFA president Gianni Infantino personally committed himself to support Iranian participation in recent weeks, particularly during consultations in Turkey. Despite his preferential relations with the U.S. government, his efforts have so far failed to fully resolve the thorny situation.

Moreover, FIFA's embarrassment is even greater because it had actively pleaded with U.S. authorities to grant full visas. Today, the organization faces a potentially large-scale crisis for the image of the World Cup.

In the next few hours, Iran's football team is scheduled to settle in Tijuana, Mexico, just a few kilometers from the U.S. border. The Mexican government has posed no problems, but this does not solve the core diplomatic crisis. Indeed, according to several concurring sources of information, the U.S. authorities do not want a prolonged presence of the Iranian delegation on their territory and are considering limiting their access to only match days.

Compromise: Travel between Mexico and the US on every match day?

This scenario would require the Iranian selection to make the trip from Tijuana to the match venue on each match day itself. Iran's first match is scheduled for June 15 in Los Angeles. Surely an unusual organization for a national selection participating in a global competition of this magnitude.

FIFA normally requires teams to reach the match venue the day before or on two days of the match to meet media requirements. Meanwhile, discussions between FIFA, U.S. authorities and Iranian representatives continue with the goal of finding an acceptable solution for all parties. However, the global football body is moving with caution, knowing that careless or poor handling of this matter could further disrupt relations with the Iranian selection and transform an administrative problem into a real diplomatic incident.

©picture alliance / Photoshot | - Illustration image of Trump receiving the FIFA peace prize in 2025.