Iran World Cup visas remained unresolved as thousands of fans attended Team Melli’s send-off rally in Tehran’s Enqelab Square on Wednesday night.
Players unveiled Iran’s tournament kit and addressed supporters before a planned training camp in Turkey next week. The FIFA World Cup 2026 runs from June 11 to July 19.
Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj told state TV the event was Iran’s best World Cup send-off in four campaigns.
Federation secretary-general Hedayat Mombeini said Iran had not yet received visa confirmations. He said FIFA had promised support and should help all World Cup teams enter host countries.
Concerns increased after Canada refused Taj entry for the FIFA Congress two weeks ago. The refusal to Taj’s connection with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has said Washington will not admit people with ties to the IRGC. The United States classifies the group as a terrorist organisation.
Read: Iran World Cup Place Backed by Trump After FIFA Remarks
Iran will continue preparations in Turkey and face Gambia in Antalya on May 29. Mombeini said the federation was also arranging another friendly.
