A World Cup nation has been dealt a huge blow just days before this summer’s tournament, with many of their staff members denied entry into the United States.

The 2026 World Cup, which is being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, will kick-off on June 11 when the latter take on South Africa.

There will be a total of 104 matches over the next month-and-a-half, with 48 teams vying to be crowned champions of the world on July 19.

Each World Cup team competing in the tournament have named their 26-man squad and will be finalising their preparations ahead of their opening match.

However, some nations have had difficulty getting into the United States. Switzerland star Breel Embolo was barred from travelling with his side after being denied entry into the United States. He has since had his Esta approved, and he has now linked up with his teammates.

Another nation has faced even more difficulty with ‘more than a dozen’ of their staff banned from travelling to the United States.

Many Iran Staff Members Denied Entry Into the United States

Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup has been in doubt following their conflict with the United States.

Donald Trump has previously advised Iran to withdraw, but said that they are welcome to play should they want to. Iran later confirmed their intention to compete in a statement in May.

All of their players, including star man Mehdi Taremi, have now been issued visas by the United States that will allow them to play at the World Cup.

However, The New York Times have now revealed that more than a dozen members of the team’s support staff, which could include coaches, analysts and medical staff, will be unable to travel to the US as they have had their applications rejected.

Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian federation and a former commander in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), is among the individuals who have had their visa applications rejected.

Iran will play each of their group matches in the United States. They will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, before heading to Seattle to face Egypt.

Should Iran and the US both finish second in their respective groups, they will go head-to-head in the round of 32 on July 3 in Arlington, Texas.

Scotland and Morocco Fans Denied Entry Into the United States

Many Scotland fans that intended to travel to the United States to follow their team have also been denied entry.

One fan told BBC Scotland: “Out of the blue on Tuesday, I got an email that said there’s been an update on your ESTA status. Since I’ve done that ESTA there’s been absolutely no changes to my circumstances. That’s the frustrating thing, not knowing why this has happened.”

While another affected fan, who admitted he was heartbroken, said: “It’s not given us very much time to do anything about it. I don’t think it’s fair, they shouldn’t authorise somebody to go then take it back. We didn’t book anything until we were authorised.”

40 members of a Moroccan supporters association have also been denied United States visas, leaving fans who spent thousands on match tickets and hotel bookings unable to travel to the tournament.

John Terry has cast doubts over England’s chances at the 2026 World Cup after seeing Thomas Tuchel leave three players out of his 26-man squad.

The Three Lions will take on Croatia, Ghana and Panama in Group L before potentially facing a nightmare route to the final. There was a lot of talk about some of the high-profile absentees from Tuchel’s squad, with the German insisting on picking the best ‘team’, rather than a group of the most talented individuals.

Now Terry, a 78-cap England international, has expressed his ‘worries’ heading into the tournament, which starts in less than a week.

John Terry Baffled By 3 England Absences at the World Cup

Speaking on his TikTok channel ahead of the World Cup, the legendary Chelsea captain has questioned some of the decisions made by the German boss. He first claimed Manchester United’s Harry Maguire would ‘100% be in my England team’, saying:

The defender was an ever-present at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s backline at Euro 2020, while also being an impressive performer at the last two World Cups. He was unfortunate to miss out on Euro 2024 due to injury, but has now been left out by the new boss.

He’s not the only wrongly omitted player in Terry’s eyes. Both Cole Palmer and Phil Foden were also shock exclusions when Tuchel announced his squad list. The defender-turned-pundit believes the ‘best’ players should always be selected.

He said: “Cole Palmer. I think as an England side we miss players like this that can come on and change the game or have that little bit of magic. I know Cole and Foden haven’t been in the best of form this season, but I would always take my best players to the World Cup and those two are certainly there for me.

“We’re talking games that are going to be boiling hot. Moments and special players coming on the pitch for 20 minutes to change the game, there’s no better than those two in the Premier League. They would have definitely been on my list.”

Why John Terry is ‘Worried’ About England’s Chances

Looking at the 26 names over in the United States to represent his country, Terry only believes 13 or 14 can realistically start matches. “There’s probably 13 or 14 players that can start for England in the big, big games. I look at the players that are fringe players, and that worries me a little bit.”

That’s what is concerning the ex-captain. He went on to explain that having a proven player with big game experience to take off the bench would’ve been extremely beneficial to Tuchel. He continued:

FIFA have made a number of controversial decisions in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, and their decision to ban football fans from bringing water bottles into stadiums has perhaps been the most controversial of them all.

The sport’s global governing body made the decision despite the extreme heat that is expected in North America over the next month-and-a-half.

Justifying their decision, FIFA said: “FIFA is committed to protecting the health and safety of all players, referees, fans, volunteers and staff. FIFA made the decision to prohibit bottles to prevent risk and injury to players and attendees.

“Outside bottles are already prohibited at several of these venues for safety considerations and FIFA is applying this consideration across its tournament stadiums.

“FIFA works closely with each host city committee and local authorities on heat mitigation factors for fans travelling to the stadium, which can include resources such as misting stations, fans, hydration stations, cooling tents and more around the stadium footprint.

“Inside the stadium footprint, pricing for water bottles for the FIFA World Cup 2026 will remain consistent with other events held at each stadium.”

Keir Starmer Slams FIFA

FIFA’s decision sparked widespread backlash, with Keir Starmer among the high-profile names that urged them to make a U-turn. The President of the United Kingdom said, per ESPN: “It’s just wrong. And I can’t help but think that it’s about making money.

“I would call on FIFA to just look again at this. Think about it. Think of the fans. They are football fans from all sorts of backgrounds across our country, across the world. They’re already spending a fortune getting there. They’ve got to pay a lot for tickets, too much in my book.”

FIFA Make Partial U-Turn on Water Bottles

FIFA have now partially backtracked on the policy, with specific water bottles now being allowed inside stadiums inside the USA and Canada. A post from the governing body said, per the Independent: “All fans will be permitted to bring in one, soft, plastic, 20 ounces (590ml), factory sealed disposable water bottle into any Fifa World Cup 2026 match in the USA and Canada.”

2026 World Cup chief operating officer, Heimo Schirgi added: “What is not allowed are hard-sided resealable water containers, which could pose a safety and security risk.”

The new rule does not apply to venues located in Mexico, though.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has welcomed FIFA’s U-turn. He told the Athletic: “I’m glad that FIFA decided to reverse this policy and allow water bottles to be brought into World Cup games.

“No one should have to fear being priced out of being hydrated, especially fans who are often waiting for hours before a game in extreme heat.”

The World Cup will begin on June 11, with the winner of the competition being crowned on July 19.