Iran Players, Official Apply for U.S., Canada Visas in Turkey 

Four players and a staff from Iran’s national football team were seen leaving the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey after submitting their visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The squad arrived in Turkey’s southern Antalya resort on Monday for a training camp ahead of the 2026 tournament that is being co-hosted by United States, which began bombing Iran alongside Israel on February 28, sparking war.

A ceasefire agreement has halted hostilities since April 8.

The players were also expected to follow similar procedures at the Canadian embassy — which alongside Mexico is a co-host of the World Cup.

Iran and the United States cut diplomatic ties in 1980 but the Iranian football federation vice-president on Tuesday said he was “very confident” in FIFA’s protocols as the team prepare to play at the World Cup.

“Team Melli”, as the Iran squad is known, are drawn in Group G and will open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium in the same city, and round off their group matches against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran are seeking to reach the knockout stages for the first time, having fallen short in their previous six appearances in the World Cup finals.