Members of Iran’s World Cup soccer team have been granted visas to enter the United States, according to two U.S. officials. This development allows the team to participate in their scheduled matches in California, despite the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.

Visa Approval Amid Tensions

The Iranian team had initially faced challenges in securing visas due to the geopolitical situation, which led them to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico. The team has been preparing for the World Cup at a camp in Antalya, Turkey, before moving to Tijuana. U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack praised the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for facilitating the visa process, emphasizing the unifying power of sports.

All players, coaches, trainers, and some support staff have been approved for visas, though it remains unclear if any applicants were denied. The Iranian team is expected to receive their passports back soon, enabling them to travel to the U.S. for their matches.

Upcoming Matches and Political Backdrop

Iran is set to play its first two games in Inglewood, California, against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. There is a possibility of facing the U.S. team in the round of 32 if both teams advance.

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump expressed concerns about Iran’s participation in the tournament, citing player safety. However, Iran’s national team insisted on their right to compete, finalizing their roster despite internal challenges, including the exclusion of star forward Sardar Azmoun.

The Iranian soccer federation has been adamant about securing visas for all team members, including those with military service in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, highlighting the complexities of international sports diplomacy.

Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.