A significant obstacle was removed from Iran‘s World Cup preparations on Tuesday after forward Mehdi Torabi was granted a new United States visa, allowing him to remain with the national team for the rest of the tournament.
The development was confirmed by a team official, ending days of uncertainty over the player’s travel status.
Torabi had initially been issued a single-entry visa. Concerns had been raised that he would be unable to re-enter the United States for upcoming matches after travelling with the squad.
A solution was eventually secured following discussions involving Iran’s football federation and FIFA.
New Visa Approved
The visa issue had become an unexpected distraction for Team Melli as the tournament got underway.
“Following efforts by the Football Federation and coordination with FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple-entry visa today,” a team official said.
It was confirmed that Torabi would now be available for all remaining fixtures.
“With this visa now secured, Torabi will have no issues accompanying Iran’s national team in its upcoming matches and will be available to travel with the squad throughout the remainder of the tournament,” the official added.
Challenges Off the Pitch
The visa complication was only one of several hurdles faced by Iran ahead of the World Cup.
Preparations were disrupted by wider geopolitical tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Questions had been raised about travel arrangements and team logistics in the months leading up to the tournament.
Plans for a training base in Arizona were abandoned shortly before the competition began.
A new camp was later established in Tijuana, Mexico.
Several support staff members were also unable to travel after visas were reportedly not granted.
Frustration Within the Camp
Concerns over travel arrangements were voiced publicly by Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei after the team’s opening 2-2 draw with New Zealand.
The coach said players had been instructed to return to Mexico immediately after the match, reducing recovery time before their next fixture.
“They delayed our arrivals, and now they are forcing us to go back early without time for recovery,” Ghalenoei told reporters.
“They are making the situation more and more difficult, facing us with more hurdles, but we’re not going to let that stop us from doing our best.”
Focus Turns to Belgium
Attention can now return to football.
Iran earned a point in their opening Group G match against New Zealand and remain firmly in contention for a place in the knockout rounds.
A crucial meeting with Belgium awaits next, before a final group-stage clash against Egypt in Seattle.
For Iran, the latest visa approval offers a measure of stability during a tournament that has already presented challenges far beyond the football pitch.
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