Iranian forward Mehdi Torabi experienced a visa issue during the World Cup 2026 qualifying match against New Zealand in the United States. According to the Iranian Football Federation, Torabi’s US visa expired immediately after his entry into the country for the game, which ended in a 2-2 draw. This means he will not be able to re-enter the US for future qualifying matches without obtaining a new visa. The timing of the expiration presents a potential complication for Iran’s World Cup campaign, as further qualifying games may be held in the United States. Details regarding the reason for the visa’s limited validity were not immediately available. The Iranian federation is likely to address the issue to ensure Torabi’s participation in subsequent matches, if possible. This incident highlights the logistical challenges national teams can face when competing in international tournaments.