Iranian winger Mehdi Torabi could face uncertainty over the remainder of his FIFA World Cup campaign after his United States visa expired following the national team’s opening match of the tournament.
According to reports from Iran’s state-run media on Tuesday, Torabi was issued a single-entry visa by US authorities, unlike his teammates who reportedly received multiple-entry visas for the competition.
The Iranian national team, known as Team Melli, began its World Cup journey with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand in Los Angeles on Monday.
“Following the national team’s trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the conclusion of that game, Torabi’s visa has now expired,” Iran’s official news agency, IRNA, reported.
The agency added that efforts are underway to resolve the situation and ensure the player remains available for the rest of the tournament.
The Iranian Football Federation “has taken steps to obtain a new visa for Torabi, so that he can accompany the national team in its upcoming matches”, the report stated.
While IRNA did not confirm whether Torabi had successfully left the United States before his visa expired, it noted that “all members of the national team are on board the aircraft” that departed for Mexico after the match.
Neither US authorities nor World Cup organisers immediately issued a response regarding the matter.
The visa issue is the latest challenge facing Iran’s delegation amid strained relations between Tehran and Washington following recent tensions linked to the conflict between the two countries.
Although both sides have since agreed on a framework aimed at ending hostilities, logistical concerns have continued to affect Iran’s World Cup preparations. The team had previously relocated its tournament base to Mexico over security considerations and has been required to travel between Mexico and the United States for its group-stage fixtures.
With Iran set to continue its World Cup campaign in the coming days, football officials are racing to secure the necessary travel documents that would allow Torabi to rejoin his teammates without disruption.
