White House: No visa issues for Iraq's World Cup team

Field Level Media
13 May 2026, 21:49 GMT+10

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images)

The White House refuted reports that the United States denied visas for five members of Iraq's national team ahead of next month's World Cup.

The State Department sent a statement Wednesday to Front Office Sports in response to online reports involving five players, including Luton Town forward Ali Al-Hamadi.

'Currently, there are no known issues affecting the Iraq National Team players, and they remain on track to compete in the World Cup,' the statement reads. 'We maintain daily communication with FIFA and will continue to prioritize these players in accordance with the President's Executive Order, ensuring an incredible and safe tournament.'

The Iraq Football Association also quashed the rumors that had circulated on social media on Tuesday.

'The news is false, and the truth is that all the national team players have obtained entry visas to America,' it said, per the Iraqi news site The New Region, adding that the players are also in the process of getting Canadian visas.

Iraq is in a tough Group I for this summer's FIFA World Cup in North America, along with France, Senegal and Norway. Iraq is scheduled to play games in Foxborough, Mass. (June 16 vs. Norway), Philadelphia (June 22 vs. France) and in Toronto (June 26 vs. Senegal).

--Field Level Media

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Calgary Monitor.

More Information

North America

Section

White House: No visa issues for Iraq's World Cup team

(Photo credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images) The White House refuted reports that the United States denied visas for five members...

New captain Jim Furyk wants U.S. to 'evolve' its Ryder Cup machine

(Photo credit: James Lang-Imagn Images) NEWTOWN SQUARE, Pa. -- Jim Furyk spoke at length about his goals for the United States Ryder...

President Trump arrives in China for high-stakes summit with President Xi Jingping

Beijing [China], May 13 (ANI): US President Donald Trump on Wednesday arrived in China for a high-stakes summit with Chinese President...

Actor Dennis to reprise his role as Wing Chun grandmaster in 'Ip Man: Kung Fu Legacy'

Washington DC [US], May 13 (ANI): Actor Dennis To will reprise his role as the legendary Wing Chun grandmaster in 'Ip Man: Kung Fu...

'How I Met Your Mother' actor Nick Pasqual convicted of attempted murder after attacking ex-girlfriend

Los Angeles [US], May 13 (ANI): Actor Nick Pasqual, known for his role in 'How I Met Your Mother', has been convicted of injuring a...

Jaguars, 49ers both playing 2 international games

(Photo credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images) The NFL revealed the matchups for all nine international games on Wednesday with the Jacksonville...

Canada

Section