Kathmandu. Iran’s soccer federation has slammed the U.S. government for not issuing U.S. visas to some managers and executives ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

In a statement, the federation said the move was “totally politically motivated and contrary to the spirit of international sports law”.

According to the federation, it is necessary to provide visa to the managerial, technical, administrative and support staff associated with the national team as they are essential for the preparation of the tournament.

Iran has also raised the issue with the International Football Federation (FIFA). The federation has said that FIFA is also responsible for ensuring the visas of the necessary officials of the participating teams.

Iran’s soccer federation called the move “discriminatory and targeted”. “The decision calls into question the principles of a fair and fair environment for the participating nations and sets an example of political interference in the sporting sector,” the federation said.

However, the United States has said that the necessary visa procedures for the players of the Iranian national team have been completed. The U.S. ambassador to Turkey praised the U.S. Embassy for its work in processing visas for members of the Iranian national soccer team in a social media post, saying that sports transcends borders and connects the world. “The United States is excited to welcome players and fans from all over the world,” he said.

According to Iranian media, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, the executive director of the national team, the general secretary of the federation and the team’s communications director are among those denied visas. They are the key officials responsible for the administrative and managerial responsibilities of the team.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. The tournament will run from June 11 to July 19. Iran are in Group G and are scheduled to play their first match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium on June 21 at the same venue, while the final group stage match will be against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

As preparations for the World Cup intensify, the visa controversy has brought the sensitive relationship between sports and diplomacy back into the spotlight. Iran has called on international sports bodies to find a solution to the issue.