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Iranian national team winger Mehdi Torabi faces uncertainty over his continued participation in the World Cup after his United States visa expired.`
Torabi received a single-entry visa, unlike his teammates who were granted multiple-entry visas for the tournament. Team Melli opened their campaign with a 2-2 draw against New Zealand 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,” state news agency IRNA reported.
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The agency added that 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”.
Although IRNA did not confirm whether Torabi had successfully left the United States, it reported that “all members of the national team are on board the aircraft” travelling to Mexico after the match.
Neither United States authorities nor tournament organisers have issued an immediate response.
The development follows a series of visa complications involving Iran’s delegation during the recent US-Iran conflict.
Although both countries have agreed on a framework to end the conflict, Iran relocated its tournament base to Mexico over security concerns and must continue travelling to and from the United States for group-stage fixtures.
Iranian officials had earlier stated that around 15 members of the delegation were refused US visas.
In a separate report, IRNA said captain Mehdi Taremi and a staff member encountered difficulties at Los Angeles airport while departing after the draw with New Zealand.
Iran will face Belgium in their second Group G match on Sunday in Los Angeles before taking on Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
