Shahriyar Moghanlou has been called up to Iran's national football squad for the FIFA World Cup 2026, as the team undergoes a critical phase of visa applications for the United States and Canada. The entire squad attended appointments for Canadian visas in Ankara, while several players who had not previously applied for US visas before the Iran war also submitted their applications in the Turkish capital.
Visa Process Underway
The Iranian national team is currently based in Ankara to facilitate the visa process for the upcoming World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The players are required to obtain both US and Canadian visas due to the tournament's multi-nation hosting format. According to team officials, all squad members have completed their Canadian visa appointments, and those lacking US visas have now filed their applications.
Moghanlou's Inclusion
Shahriyar Moghanlou, the forward known for his performances in the Iranian league, has been added to the roster as the team finalizes its preparations. His call-up comes as the coaching staff seeks to bolster the attacking options ahead of the tournament. The squad is expected to undergo further training camps before departing for the World Cup.
The visa applications are being processed amid heightened security and diplomatic considerations. The Iranian Football Federation has assured that all necessary documentation has been provided to expedite the process. The team is scheduled to play warm-up matches in the coming weeks to fine-tune their strategies.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 marks the first time the tournament will be hosted by three nations, and it will feature an expanded format with 48 teams. Iran has been drawn in a competitive group and will aim to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
