Iran beats Gambia as the federation seeks clarity on visas ahead of the 2026 World Cup

Iran has asked FIFA to clarify when tournament visas will be issued after moving its World Cup training camp from Arizona to Tijuana, a senior official of the Islamic Republic of Islamic Republic of Football Federation (FFIRI) said on Friday.

The national team came from behind to beat Gambia 3-1 in a World Cup warm-up match in the Turkish city of Antalya, days after tournament preparations were disrupted by a base camp move to Mexico after approval from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and FIFA.

Iran is scheduled to play all three group matches in the United States, but the team’s participation in the June 11-July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

The move followed diplomatic friction and visa complications, with Iran now requiring cross-border clearance for its Group G matches against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Los Angeles and Seattle.

Mehdi Mohammadnabi, First Vice President of FFIRI, said Reuters that Iran had written to FIFA demanding a strong response after previously applying for visas.

“We have sent an email to FIFA today asking them to announce the result as soon as possible, indicating on which day the visas will be issued, because we now need both Mexican multiple-entry visas and US multiple-entry visas,” Mohammadnabi said.

“Based on the last conversation we had, they replied that the administrative process will most likely be completed this week,” he added.

Mohammadnabi said FIFA had proposed the Tijuana camp and Iran had accepted the arrangement.

“FIFA proposed this camp, and FIFA should tell you what happened,” he said. “In any case, we have accepted this camp, which is located in the city of Tijuana in Mexico, and the team is ready to travel, which I believe will take place in about a week.”

“We are also surprised and hope that this problem will be resolved as soon as possible,” he added. “The focus of the national team and our players is only on their training.”

Gambia led before half-time through Omar Colley, but Iran equalized after half-time through Aria Yousefi before Ramin Rezaeian and Mehdi Taremi completed the comeback.

Published on May 30, 2026