Iran World Cup squad players start US visa process

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At least four Iranian footballers and one of their entourage went to the US embassy in Ankara Thursday to submit visa applications for the World Cup, an AFP correspondent said.

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The squad arrived in Turkey’s southern Antalya resort on Monday for a training camp ahead of the 2026 tournament that is being co-hosted by United States, which began bombing Iran alongside Israel on February 28, sparking war.

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A ceasefire agreement has halted hostilities since April 8.

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Four players in navy blue tracksuits along with a staffer in black could be seen entering the embassy in the morning, the correspondent said.

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The players were also expected to follow similar procedures at the Canadian embassy — which alongside Mexico is a co-host of the World Cup.

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Iran and the United States cut diplomatic ties in 1980 but the Iranian football federation vice-president on Tuesday said he was “very confident” in FIFA’s protocols as the team prepare to play at the World Cup.

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“Team Melli”, as the Iran squad is known, will play two friendlies ahead of the World Cup in Antalya against Gambia on May 29 and Mali on June 4.

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Iran have been drawn in Group G and open their campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.

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They will then face Belgium in the same city, and round off their group matches against Egypt in Seattle.

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Iran are seeking to reach the knockout stages for the first time, having fallen short in their previous six appearances in the World Cup finals.

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