Four members of Iran’s World Cup delegation successfully appealed against their US visa rejections. However, 11 other crucial members of the team’s support staff were denied entry for the upcoming matches in the US.

Washington officials confirmed that Iranian players were permitted to enter the country for the World Cup, but last week, Iran expressed dismay as additional staff members were refused entry.

The Iranian delegation is currently stationed in Mexico, where 10 out of the 15 members applied for fresh visas to enter the US after arriving in the Latin American country. Only four of these appeals were approved, allowing an analyst and two federation officials to enter the US, while the remaining six applications were rejected.

Among those denied visas were the president of the Iran Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, a federation vice president, two operations administrators, a media officer, and a security officer.

Iran is scheduled to play against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles, Belgium on June 21, and Egypt on June 26 in Seattle. FIFA President Gianni Infantino expressed happiness over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, recalling his promise to ensure their presence despite challenges.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio previously stated that Iranian players are welcome, but individuals associated with the IRGC might face entry restrictions.