Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Iran World Cup visa issue concerns remain after the United States confirmed the Iranian football squad must leave the country after each match, despite forward Mehdi Torabi being cleared to continue at the tournament.

The Iranian Football Federation said on Tuesday that Torabi had solved his visa problem after his initial entry permission was declared invalid following Iran’s 2-2 draw with New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday.

For more World Cup coverage, read Messi Ronaldo World Cup 2026 Meeting Path Explained. Tournament details and fixtures can also be followed through the official FIFA World Cup page.

Torabi cleared for Iran’s group games

Torabi was reportedly granted only single-entry permission for the New Zealand match, while the rest of Iran’s squad received visas allowing multiple entries into the United States.

He has now been issued a second visa, which should allow him to enter the country for Iran’s remaining group stage games against Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.

Torabi is part of the squad as a replacement for former Bayer Leverkusen forward Sardar Azmoun, who was accused of unpatriotic behaviour.

Iran forced back to Mexico after matches

Iran’s players are allowed to arrive in the United States the night before games, but they cannot remain there after the final whistle.

The team had expected to stay in California after the New Zealand match to aid recovery, but was instead told to fly back to its base in Tijuana, Mexico.

“They didn’t even give us time to recover,” Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said through an interpreter on Tuesday (AEST).

“After the game today, they said to us, ‘You have to leave immediately.’

“It’s very important for us to have time for recovery, (but) we are asked to get on a plane and return to our camp in Tijuana, and we are really troubled by that.”

Andrew Giuliani, executive director for the White House World Cup Taskforce, said Iran could still travel into the United States the day before matches, but there was enough time after games for the squad to return to Tijuana.

The travel order adds another challenge for Iran as it prepares for Belgium and Egypt, with recovery, squad rhythm and match-day planning now part of a difficult World Cup campaign.