Iran Finally Catch A Break: Mehdi Torabi’s FIFA World Cup Visa Crisis Ends

Published 17 June 2026 · sports

Iran Finally Catch A Break: Mehdi Torabi’s FIFA World Cup Visa Crisis Ends Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 11:02 IST Iran forward Mehdi

Iran Finally Catch A Break: Mehdi Torabi’s FIFA World Cup Visa Crisis Ends Published By, Last Updated: June 17, 2026, 11:02 IST Iran forward Mehdi Torabi has been granted a new multiple-entry US visa, ending a World Cup travel headache and ensuring he remains available for the rest of Team Melli’s campaign. Rapid Read Iran's Mehdi Torabi (X) Iran have finally received a piece of good news at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Forward Mehdi Torabi has been granted a new United States visa, ending days of uncertainty and ensuring he will remain available for the rest of Team Melli’s campaign in North America. Torabi, who was an unused substitute during Iran’s entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand in their tournament opener, had initially been issued only a single-entry visa. That created a major logistical headache for the Iranian delegation, with concerns that the 30-year-old would be unable to re-enter the United States for future matches after travelling back to the team’s temporary base in Mexico.

However, those concerns have now been resolved. Visa Breakthrough Ends Iran’s Latest World Cup Headache A team official confirmed on Tuesday that Torabi had been issued a new multiple-entry visa following intervention from both the Iranian Football Federation and FIFA. “Following efforts by the Football Federation and coordination with FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple-entry visa today," the official said. “With this visa now secured, Torabi will have no issues accompanying Iran’s national team in its upcoming matches and will be available to travel with the squad throughout the remainder of the tournament." The development comes as a significant relief for Iran ahead of a crucial Group-stage clash against Belgium on Sunday. Team Melli will then wrap up their group campaign against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. A Tournament Filled With Challenges Torabi’s visa saga is only the latest obstacle Iran have faced in the lead-up to and during the World Cup.

The team’s participation itself had come under scrutiny following heightened geopolitical tensions earlier this year. Plans to base the squad in Arizona were scrapped at the last minute, forcing Iran to establish a new training camp in Tijuana, Mexico. Several members of the support staff were also denied visas altogether, preventing them from travelling with the team. Following the draw against New Zealand, head coach Amir Ghalenoei voiced his frustration over what he described as repeated logistical difficulties. “They delayed our arrivals, (now) they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery," Ghalenoei told reporters. “They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best." (with AFP inputs) News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.