Tehran: Iran's Foreign Ministry has emphasized that the United States, as the host of the FIFA World Cup, must issue visas for Iran's national football team, irrespective of political tensions between the two nations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei stated that Tehran is undertaking 'every possible effort' to ensure that no obstacles affect the Iranian team's participation in the World Cup to be held in the US.

According to Anadolu Agency, Baghaei remarked during an internal training match that the Iranian players will travel to the United States strictly for the World Cup, as reported by Iran's Mehr news agency. He highlighted the obligation of the host country to uphold its 'clear and specific commitment' by issuing visas to the Iranian team members 'without considering political issues.'

Baghaei expressed optimism that FIFA would take necessary actions 'to preserve its credibility,' noting that recent developments concerning the Iranian team were 'not worthy of FIFA.' He affirmed that Iran would utilize 'all available capacities' to address matters related to the team's participation.

Despite the lack of diplomatic relations between Iran and the US, Baghaei assured that Iran's Interests Section in Washington is ready to provide necessary assistance. When questioned about potential negotiations, he refrained from commenting and maintained, 'For now, we are focused on sports.'

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is scheduled to be jointly hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19. Iran's national team is set to play two matches in Los Angeles against New Zealand on June 15 and Belgium on June 21, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.

Recent regional tensions have been heightened since the US and Israel conducted strikes on Iran on February 28, prompting retaliatory actions from Tehran and causing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire was enacted on April 8 through mediation by Pakistan, but discussions in Islamabad did not yield a lasting resolution. The truce was later extended by US President Donald Trump without a specified deadline.