The Iran national team is competing in the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, with Mehdi Torabi's visa expiring after one game. The winger was an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with New Zealand. According to the Iran Football Federation, Torabi's visa was only valid for one entry, and it has now expired. The federation is working to obtain a new visa for the player so he can continue to accompany the team in their upcoming matches. Iran's next group match is against Belgium on Sunday, and Torabi would need a new visa by Saturday at the latest if he is to join the squad on their trip to California. The US government has classified the IRGC as a 'terrorist entity,' and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said it would not allow anyone with links to the IRGC to enter the country with the players. Iran's World Cup team supervisor Mahdi Mohammad Nabi was among 15 FFIRI officials who were denied visas to travel to the US for the World Cup games. Coach Amir Ghalenoei said the travel chaos stemming from tensions between Iran and the US had 'oppressed' his players and affected their performance against New Zealand.