Iran has officially confirmed their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A dramatic 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan on Tuesday sealed their qualification, marking a significant achievement for Team Melli. This will be Iran's fourth consecutive appearance at the prestigious tournament, highlighting the nation’s growing football prowess.
The qualification process has been made easier thanks to the World Cup's expanded format, now featuring 48 teams. The result against Uzbekistan secured Iran's position in the top two spots in Group A of the Asian qualifiers. This assures them of a direct berth in the tournament, eliminating the need for a playoff.
Trump administration's visa ban threatens participation
While Iran’s qualification is secure, their participation in the 2026 World Cup is still uncertain due to potential travel restrictions imposed by the United States. According to a recent Reuters report, Iranian citizens are among those at risk of facing a travel ban to the United States. If the Trump administration moves forward with its policy, Iran could join countries like Syria, Cuba, and North Korea on a list of nations subject to a full visa suspension.
If these sanctions are enforced, it could prevent not only Iranian fans from attending matches but also affect players and coaching staff. It remains unclear whether the visa ban would directly impact the team’s ability to compete, but any restrictions would likely cause significant disruptions for the squad.
Potential workaround: playing in Mexico
There is a potential solution for Iran to avoid matches in the United States altogether. Should they be drawn into Group A, all three of Iran's group-stage matches could be held in Mexico. This includes a highly anticipated game against the host nation, Mexico, in the second round.
If Iran finishes top of their group, they would continue playing in Mexico until the quarter-finals, at which point they would move to Miami for the knockout rounds.
Political tensions impact World Cup organizers
This issue comes amid rising tensions between the Trump administration and the governments of Canada and Mexico. A trade dispute between the US and its neighboring countries has been ongoing, with tariffs on imports affecting the diplomatic climate. The political climate could further complicate World Cup preparations, especially with only months remaining before the tournament begins.
2026 World Cup: dates and expectations
The 2026 World Cup will kick off on June 11, 2026, and run for just over a month, with the final scheduled for July 17. As the tournament draws closer, political and logistical challenges continue to shape the build-up to what is expected to be one of the most exciting World Cups in history.