Iran's national football team has been granted visas to enter the United States for the upcoming World Cup, a White House official confirmed on Friday. The development comes just 10 days before Iran's opening match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two nations.

This decision resolves a significant diplomatic hurdle for the Iranian squad, who are participating in a tournament that has become increasingly intertwined with international political dynamics. The World Cup, the most significant global sporting event, is being hosted by a nation that is currently in conflict with Iran, a unique situation in the tournament's history.

While the White House official confirmed the visas were granted overnight, Iran's ambassador to Mexico, Abolfazl Pasandideh, had stated late Thursday that the squad had not yet received them. U.S. Ambassador to Turkiye Tom Barrack also confirmed the visas on X, commending the U.S. Embassy in Ankara for their work.

The issuance of visas follows weeks of uncertainty and diplomatic maneuvering. The U.S. had previously indicated it would not permit individuals linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps to be part of Iran's delegation. Iran’s football federation president, Mehdi Taj, who is a former commander, was denied entry for the tournament draw in December.

Adding to the complexity, the semi-official Fars news agency reported on Friday that visas for some members of the team's technical and administrative staff had not yet been issued. The report, which did not cite a source, stated the U.S. embassy had refused to issue them, leaving the full delegation's status partially unresolved.

These visa issues had previously led to Iran negotiating a last-minute change to their team base location, moving from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. This decision was influenced by the visa challenges and a desire in Iran to minimize the squad's presence within the United States.

Iran is scheduled to compete in Group G, with their first match set for June 15 in Los Angeles against New Zealand. They are also slated to play Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle. The team is expected to land in Tijuana early Sunday.

The situation highlights the intersection of sports and international relations, with the World Cup serving as a stage for broader geopolitical narratives. The U.S. has not officially stated an unwillingness to have the Iranian team on its territory, but the conditions surrounding visa approvals underscore the delicate diplomatic climate.