Trending 
An Iranian team official confirmed on Tuesday that the United States granted forward Mehdi Torabi a multiple-entry visa, allowing him to participate in the remainder of the World Cup tournament.
Torabi, who sat on the bench during Iran’s opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand, originally held a single-entry visa.
This restriction forced the Football Federation to scramble alongside FIFA to secure the new visa so Torabi could travel back into the U.S. to face Belgium on Sunday.
The team official stated that the new visa eliminates any travel hurdles for Torabi, making him fully available for all upcoming matches, including Iran’s final group game against Egypt in Seattle on June 26.
This visa resolution settles the latest logistical headache for “Team Melli” during a highly turbulent World Cup campaign.
Geopolitical conflict previously threw Iran’s participation into doubt following a joint U.S.-Israeli bombing campaign against the country in late February.
The ongoing war forced the team to abandon its original base camp in Arizona and relocate to Tijuana, Mexico. U.S. officials also completely denied visas to more than a dozen Iranian support staff.
Coach Amir Ghalenoei openly criticised the tournament conditions on Monday, labelling Iran the “most oppressed team in the World Cup” after tournament officials forced his squad to return to Mexico immediately after their first match without proper recovery time.
