Iran Players Submit Passports to US Embassy in Ankara — Taj: Visas Expected 'Soon'; Warns FIFA That Denial Means Withdrawal; 6 Days to Kickoff

In the most significant development yet in Iran's World Cup visa crisis, Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj announced on June 5 that Iran's players and delegation have formally submitted their passports to the US Embassy in Ankara, Turkey for World Cup visa processing — following instructions received through FIFA's diplomatic channel. This is the first time Iran has directly engaged with the US Embassy process, representing a de-escalatory step toward actual visa issuance. Taj expressed confidence that visas would be issued 'soon,' while simultaneously warning FIFA that if the applications are denied or no response received before Iran's June 15 Group G opener vs New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Iran's federation will have to 'reconsider participation' — the clearest ultimatum Taj has issued to date on the forfeiture question. Iran's squad is preparing to depart Antalya on June 6 for Tijuana via Spain, meaning they will be in Mexico when any visa decisions are communicated. The Ankara embassy route is used because Iran has no US diplomatic presence; Turkey, which maintains relations with both nations, acts as the intermediary. If visas are approved, they would need to be picked up in Ankara before the squad departs — or delivered to a US consular post in Spain or Mexico for collection. With the squad departing June 6, the window for visa processing and collection is approximately 24 hours. FIFA has written guarantees of visa issuance on file; US Secretary of State Rubio has stated the concern is IRGC-linked support staff, not athletes. The outcome of this process will determine whether Iran plays or forfeits the June 15 Group G opener — an unprecedented situation in World Cup history. 6 days to the June 11 opening match at Estadio Azteca.