PLDC - The U.S. Department of State has finally returned the passports of Iran’s national team delegation, clarifying the visa status of players and staff ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
All players named in Iran’s final squad, along with the key members of the coaching staff, have reportedly received U.S. visas. However, 13 members of the broader delegation were denied entry visas.
The most notable name on the list is Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, vice president of the Iranian Football Federation and manager of the national team. Despite previously traveling to the United States for the World Cup draw ceremony, his visa application was rejected.
Federation Secretary General Hedayat Mombeini was also denied a visa and will not be able to accompany Team Melli to the United States.
In addition, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj reportedly submitted another visa application after previously being denied entry for the World Cup draw and having his Canadian visa revoked during a FIFA Congress event. His latest application was also rejected, meaning one of the most senior figures in Iranian football will be unable to attend.
Other officials who reportedly failed to obtain U.S. visas include members of the media team, executive staff, security personnel, analysts, and international relations officials.
List of Individuals Denied U.S. Visas
* Mehdi Taj – President of the Iranian Football Federation
* Mehdi Mohammad Nabi – National Team Manager
* Hedayat Mombeini – Secretary General
* Mohsen Motamedkia – Media Manager
* Mehdi Kharrati – Executive Manager
* Masoud Ardeshir – Security Officer
* Mehdi Malekabad – Head of Security
* Soroush Salmasi – Analyst
* Mehrpouya Asadi – Analyst
* Reza Javidan – Equipment Manager
* Ali Afzal – International Relations
* Siamak Ghelichkhani – Media Department
* Omid Jamali – Head of International Relations
Meanwhile, several members of the coaching staff who had previously been denied visas for the World Cup draw were reportedly successful in obtaining visas this time and will be able to travel with the Iranian national team.
