PLAYER SNAPSHOT: At a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mehdi Torabi |
| Date of Birth | 10/09/1994 (Age: 31) |
| Place of Birth | Karaj, Iran |
| Nationality | Iranian |
| Height | 1.80–1.85 m / 5 ft 11 in–6 ft 1 in |
| Weight | 70–74 kg |
| Position | Winger / Attacking Midfielder |
| Preferred Foot | Right |
| Squad Number | — |
| Current Club | Tractor SC |
| Previous Clubs | Persepolis |
| International Caps | 45+ |
| International Goals | 6+ |
| World Cup Appearances | 2022, 2026 |
| Market Value | — |
The Frozen Moment
The 2026 World Cup in North America was meant to be a triumphant stage for Mehdi Torabi. Instead, the 31-year-old winger from Karaj found himself at the centre of a geopolitical drama that dominated headlines and threatened to derail his tournament before it had truly begun.
Torabi had been named in Amir Ghalenoei’s 26-man Iran squad for the World Cup, his second consecutive appearance at the finals. But the United States government’s visa restrictions created an unprecedented obstacle. While most Iranian players were granted multiple-entry visas to travel between Mexico and the US during the tournament, Torabi was only given a single-entry visa. The reason? His reported links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the US government designates as a terrorist organisation.
Iran’s World Cup squad was based in Tijuana, Mexico, and would cross the border for matches in the United States. Torabi had travelled to Los Angeles for Iran’s opening match against New Zealand but was not used. After leaving the US following the game, his visa expired, leaving him stranded and unable to re-enter the country. The Iranian Football Federation scrambled to secure a new visa, with the player facing the prospect of missing Iran’s crucial match against Belgium.
The resolution came on June 16, when the Iranian Football Federation announced that Torabi had been granted a new multiple-entry visa, allowing him to rejoin the squad for the remainder of the tournament. His World Cup campaign ultimately produced one appearance—24 minutes against Belgium—but the visa saga had already become one of the defining stories of Iran’s participation in the tournament.
Origins
Born on September 10, 1994, in Karaj, Iran, Mehdi Torabi began his professional career in the Iranian football system. He developed through the domestic ranks before emerging as one of the country’s most promising wingers.
Torabi’s journey to international recognition was steady. His performances in the Persian Gulf Pro League earned him a regular place in the Iran national team setup, and he has since accumulated over 45 caps and scored 6 international goals. He was part of Iran’s squad at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and repeated the feat in 2026.
The European Forge
Persepolis (2019-2024):
Torabi spent the majority of his career at Persepolis, one of Iran’s most successful clubs. He was a key player for the Tehran-based giants, making 86 league appearances and scoring 11 goals across multiple seasons. His most productive season came in 2023/24, when he scored 8 goals in 41 appearances for Persepolis.
At Persepolis, Torabi won multiple domestic honours. He was a regular starter in the AFC Champions League, accumulating 27 appearances in the elite continental competition and contributing 6 goals. His performances in Asia showcased his ability to perform on a wider stage.
Tractor SC (2024-Present):
In July 2024, Torabi transferred to Tractor SC in the Persian Gulf Pro League. The move marked a new chapter in his career. In the 2025/26 season, he made 18 league appearances, accumulating 1,197 minutes of playing time. He recorded 4 assists in the league but did not score. He also featured in the AFC Champions League, contributing to Tractor’s continental campaign.
Iran National Team (2018-Present):
Torabi made his senior debut for Iran and has been a regular presence in the national team setup. At the 2022 World Cup, he was part of Iran’s squad in Qatar. He was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup, making one appearance against Belgium and playing 24 minutes.
The Anatomy of His Game
Mehdi Torabi is a creative, right-footed winger capable of operating on either flank. He is known for his dribbling ability, set-piece delivery, and contributions in the final third.
In Possession:
Torabi is a creative force in the final third. In the 2025/26 Persian Gulf Pro League season, he recorded 4 assists in 18 appearances. He is also a threat from dead-ball situations, contributing goals from set pieces throughout his career. In the AFC Champions League, he has scored 6 goals and provided 7 assists in 27 appearances, demonstrating his ability to perform on the continental stage.
Out of Possession:
Torabi contributes to the team’s pressing structure. He has accumulated career totals of 11 goals and 11 assists in 86 appearances for Persepolis and Tractor. His versatility across the front line makes him a valuable asset for his coaches.
Psychological Edge:
Torabi’s career has been defined by resilience. He navigated a complex visa situation at the 2026 World Cup, overcoming a single-entry visa restriction that threatened his participation. His willingness to represent Iran despite the challenges reflects a strong sense of commitment to his country. His decision to wear a T-shirt in 2019 reading “The only way to save the country is obedience to the leadership” underscored his support for the Iranian government, a stance that had consequences on the global stage.
The Numbers Game
TABLE A: The Data Snapshot (2025/26 Season)
| Competition | Apps (Starts/Subs) | Minutes | Goals | Assists | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Persian Gulf Pro League | 18 | 1,197 | 0 | 4 | — |
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 24 | 0 | 0 | — |
| TOTAL | 19 | 1,221 | 0 | 4 | — |
TABLE B: Career (Selected Clubs)
| Season/Period | Club | League/Competition | Apps | Goals |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019-2024 | Persepolis | Persian Gulf Pro League | 86 | 11 |
| 2024-2026 | Tractor SC | Persian Gulf Pro League | 45 | 3 |
| TOTAL | — | — | 131+ | 14+ |
TABLE C: International Record
| Tournament/Competition | Apps | Goals | Major Honours |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIFA World Cup 2026 | 1 | 0 | Group Stage |
| FIFA World Cup 2022 | — | — | Group Stage |
| Iran Senior Career | 45+ | 6+ | 2x World Cup Participant |
TABLE D: Career Milestones
| Year | Achievement | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Persepolis Signing | Joined Tehran giants |
| 2022 | World Cup Debut | Qatar 2022 |
| 2024 | Tractor Transfer | Moved to Tabriz club |
| 2026 | Visa Controversy | Single-entry visa issue at World Cup |
| 2026 | World Cup Appearance | 24 minutes vs Belgium |
What these figures reveal is a player who has been a consistent performer in Iranian football for over a decade. Torabi has accumulated over 130 professional appearances and 14 goals across his club career. His 45 caps for Iran and his two World Cup appearances demonstrate his importance to the national team. The 2025/26 season was less productive in terms of goals, but his 4 assists in 18 league appearances reflect his creative contributions.
The Present Tense
Mehdi Torabi is 31 years old and at a pivotal moment in his career. He is a key player for Tractor SC in the Persian Gulf Pro League and a veteran of Iran’s national team following a World Cup campaign.
The Tractor Story:
Torabi joined Tractor in 2024 and has been a regular starter for the club. In the 2025/26 season, he made 18 league appearances, accumulated 1,197 minutes, and provided 4 assists. His career at Tractor has been defined by his creative contributions from wide areas.
The World Cup Campaign:
Torabi was named in Iran’s 26-man squad for the 2026 World Cup. He was not used in Iran’s opening 2-2 draw against New Zealand. His visa situation threatened to derail his participation, but he was granted a new multiple-entry visa after intervention from the Iranian Football Federation and FIFA. He made his World Cup appearance against Belgium, playing 24 minutes. Iran were eliminated in the group stage.
The Visa Controversy:
Torabi was the centre of a high-profile visa dispute during the tournament. According to the Iranian Football Federation, while most Iranian players were granted multiple-entry visas, Torabi was only given a single-entry visa due to his reported links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His visa expired after he left the US following the New Zealand match. The matter was resolved on June 16, when he was granted a new multiple-entry visa.
International Record:
Torabi has earned over 45 caps for Iran and has scored 6 international goals. He has represented Iran at two World Cups (2022 and 2026). He has also featured in the AFC Asian Cup and World Cup qualifying campaigns.
Beyond the Touchline
Off the pitch, Mehdi Torabi is a figure of political significance in Iranian football. He has been identified as a supporter of the Iranian government and is reported to have links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. In 2019, he wore a T-shirt during a club match reading: “The only way to save the country is obedience to the leadership.” His stance has made him a polarising figure, particularly in the context of international competition.
His visa situation at the 2026 World Cup was rooted in these political connections. The US government’s policy of denying entry to individuals associated with the IRGC created a unique obstacle for Torabi, who was ultimately granted a visa after diplomatic intervention. The head coach Amir Ghalenoei noted that the travel difficulties caused by tensions between Iran and the US had affected the morale and performance of the Iranian players.
The Verdict from the Camp
Iran Football Federation:
“After traveling to Los Angeles and completing the match against New Zealand, Torabi’s visa expired. The Federation is in the process of applying for a new visa to allow the player to continue accompanying the team in upcoming matches.”
“After actions by the federation and coordination with FIFA, the player received a new multiple-entry visa today. Torabi will not have problems accompanying the national team in subsequent matches and will remain at the disposal of the team until the end of the tournament.”
Amir Ghalenoei, Iran head coach:
Ghalenoei believed that the travel difficulties caused by tensions between Iran and the US negatively impacted the morale and performance of the Iranian players in their match against New Zealand.
Statistic:
Torabi made 18 league appearances for Tractor in the 2025/26 season, providing 4 assists.
Statistic:
Torabi has earned over 45 caps for Iran and has represented his country at two World Cups.
Statistic:
Torabi scored 8 goals in 41 appearances for Persepolis in the 2023/24 season.
Where Next?
Mehdi Torabi is 31 years old and entering the latter stages of his career. He is under contract with Tractor SC in the Persian Gulf Pro League and is expected to continue as a key player for the club. His performances in the 2025/26 season—4 assists in 18 league appearances—demonstrate his enduring creative quality.
For Iran, Torabi remains a valuable squad player. With 45 caps and two World Cup campaigns under his belt, he brings experience and versatility to the national team. The next chapter of his career, whether at Tractor or elsewhere, will determine whether he can continue to represent Team Melli in future tournaments.
From Karaj to the World Cup, Mehdi Torabi’s journey is one of talent, political controversy, and the power of football to transcend borders. The winger who found himself at the centre of a geopolitical drama has proven that he belongs on the biggest stage—and his story is one that will be remembered long after the final whistle.
