Iran has charged that the United States refused entry visas to essential support members of its national football squad, just hours after American authorities approved travel for the players ahead of the World Cup.

Washington confirmed on Friday that visas were granted to the athletes and required support personnel, ten days before Iran opens its campaign in Los Angeles on 15 June.

Officials added that Iran would not be permitted to misuse the process to bring individuals into the country under false claims.

The Iranian embassy in Turkey condemned the move as politically motivated interference in sport, noting that a large share of managerial, executive and technical staff had been denied visas.

A statement labeled the US announcement a cover-up and said the action represented the peak of discriminatory treatment toward the Iranian national team.

Embassy representatives urged football governing body Fifa to step in and address the situation.

State-affiliated Iranian outlets reported that the head of the football federation and his deputy were among those barred from travel.

The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, starts on 11 June. Iran earned qualification by topping its group in March 2025, nearly a year before conflict began.

This marks the first time a host nation at war will welcome a team from the opposing country.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio informed lawmakers earlier in the week that delegation members linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards would be excluded.

Multiple players in the Iranian squad have fulfilled required military duties with the organization.

Iran is also scheduled to face Belgium in California and Egypt in Seattle during the group stage.