Iran Star Mehdi Torabi's US Visa Expires After World Cup Opener Against New Zealand

Iran winger Mehdi Torabi has encountered an unexpected setback at the FIFA World Cup 2026 after his United States visa expired following the team's opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles. The Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) has confirmed it is working to secure a new visa to ensure the player can continue participating in the tournament.

Federation Seeks New Visa for Torabi

The issue came to light on Tuesday when the FFIRI revealed that Torabi had been issued a single-entry visa, unlike most members of the Iranian squad who received multiple-entry permits.

"While multiple-entry visas were issued for the team's players to travel to the United States, Mehdi Torabi's visa was valid for only one entry," an FFIRI spokesman said.

"Following the team's trip to Los Angeles for the match against New Zealand and the completion of that game, his visa has now expired. The Iran Football Federation has taken action to obtain a new visa for Torabi so that he can continue to accompany the national team in its upcoming matches."

Iran are based in the Mexican border city of Tijuana during the tournament and are travelling into the United States for their group-stage fixtures. Their first two matches are being played in Los Angeles, while their final Group G fixture is scheduled for Seattle.

Draw With New Zealand Opens Campaign

Torabi's visa issue emerged shortly after Iran's entertaining 2-2 draw against New Zealand at SoFi Stadium.

New Zealand struck first through Elijah Just before Iran responded with an equaliser from Ramin Rezaeian before the break. Just restored New Zealand's lead in the second half after being set up by Chris Wood, but Mohammad Mohebbi headed home to earn Iran a share of the points in a competitive Group G encounter.

The result left both teams with one point as the group-stage battle intensified.

Geopolitical Tensions Add to Travel Challenges

Iran arrived at the World Cup amid ongoing tensions involving the United States and Israel, circumstances that had already complicated the team's logistical planning before the tournament.

The Iranian delegation had initially planned to base itself in Arizona but eventually shifted its World Cup camp to Tijuana in Mexico due to uncertainty surrounding entry arrangements into the United States.

The relocation followed weeks of concern over whether all members of the Iranian contingent would receive the necessary travel documents and visas required for participation in the tournament.

Torabi's latest visa complication has once again highlighted the administrative challenges facing the team as it seeks to focus on its World Cup campaign.

(With inputs from ANI)