United States officials have confirmed that Iran's national football team will be required to leave the country within hours of the final whistle at their World Cup 2026 group stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. The announcement was made on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, by a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, citing standard visa protocols for certain nations.
The decision applies specifically to Iran's group games, which are scheduled to take place in Los Angeles and Seattle as part of the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The move has drawn criticism from human rights groups, who argue it disrupts the team's ability to prepare and compete fairly.
Iranian officials have not yet issued a formal response, but the country's football federation is reportedly seeking clarification from FIFA. The World Cup 2026 is set to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
