Fifa World Cup 2026

Iran's Torabi cleared for World Cup after U.S. visa issue resolved​

Iran forward Mehdi Torabi has received a new visa and will be able to participate in the remainder of the FIFA World Cup, spokespersons from the U.S. State Department and the Iran Football Federation told ESPN.

Torabi, 31, was an unused substitute for Iran in Monday's 2-2 draw against New Zealand. But after the match, it emerged that his visa had expired because he had been given a single-entry visa, while the rest of his teammates had been given what are called multiple-entry visas.

In a statement to ESPN, a U.S. Department of State spokesperson said: "This issue has been resolved. As soon as we became aware of the issue, we worked to ensure that the player can participate in every game."

The Iran Football Federation's media department later issued a statement to ESPN confirming Torabi's visa status.

"Torabi's previous single-entry U.S. visa had expired. Following efforts by the Football Federation and coordination with FIFA, the player was issued a new multiple-entry visa [on Tuesday]," the statement read. "With this visa now secured, Torabi will have no issues accompanying Iran's national team in its upcoming matches and will be available to travel with the squad throughout the remainder of the tournament."

The issue of visas has long been contentious between the Iran Football Federation and the U.S. State Department, given the war that took place between Israel and the U.S. on one side, and Iran on the other. Further complicating matters is the fact that Iran is playing all three of its group stage matches in the U.S., with two in the Los Angeles area, and another in Seattle.

 
DodgeThis said:
Ronaldo plays today. He will be taking everything just so that he can surpass Messi.
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It's going to be so undignified, he is going to be huffing and puffing over every place kick or penalty.

If the other players know what is good for them they better not stand in his way, he will put hands on them.
 
Creag said:
I am still trying to get my head around why so many dives, no or minimal contact, are condoned or tolerated. The players are becoming drama queens without limits or rejection.

In rugby, players are doing their utmost to continue. In soccer, players are feigning death or worse to get a red for the opposition.
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It is coached into players from youth level already.

I have seen managers berate players for not going down and even pundits (former footballers) saying they'd have gone down under contact when reviewing games.

Along with the rugby tackling and holding during set pieces, the game has been sullied.
 
Creag said:
I am still trying to get my head around why so many dives, no or minimal contact, are condoned or tolerated. The players are becoming drama queens without limits or rejection.

In rugby, players are doing their utmost to continue. In soccer, players are feigning death or worse to get a red for the opposition.
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I don't think it's because they're weak or anything, it's the preferable outcome that the ref stops play and awards a free kick in most situations. In rugby the advantage is preferred to try and use defensive gaps to their advantage and score a try, whereas in soccer if the ref stops play you can set up in the opponents box and have a better goal scoring opportunity.
 
Ecco said:
Is it just me or is the hype for this world cup subdued?
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Ecco said:
Besides Bafana, there used to be so much excitement ahead of a world cup. I just dont notice the same for this one.

Almost everybody only talks about ticket prices and that conversation is old now.

I am sure the stadiums will be fuller as it progresses
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So a week later, i feel the hype. Seeing interest from people who would otherwise not watch soccer watch.

Despite all the talk of ticket prices etc, stadiums are full, fans are in full force. I love the stadiums. Games have been decent, even the draws.

So for me overall, i am enjoying it.
 
stefan9 said:
Seems messi should have seen red.
Reports that collina(head of fifa refs) wanted to start an investigation over the ref performance but Gianni stopped it....

https://twitter.com/x/status/2067178783556112869
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It's Messi, never going to happen. Just watched the highlights, and one of his corners didn't even beat the first man. Any other player on earth: "Oh come on, Jeff, he has to beat the first man! Terrible corner!".
 
TheChamp said:
Probably an American, one was saying Iran should be grateful America even allows it to compete in the world cup, not like Iran played football and qualified to be at the World Cup, it was all through the grace of America.
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Uhm Russia. Sometimes countries are not allowed to compete it's not just everyone gets a fair shot.
 
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