Iran qualify for 2026 World Cup amid potential Trump travel ban
Iran has qualified for the World Cup after a 2–2 draw against Uzbekistan on March 25th, but the USA has recently issued a travel ban that includes fully suspending visas for 10 countries, including Iran.
Travel Bans
The USA has issued new travel restrictions, with at least 40 countries facing partial or complete bans on entry under the new administration, including World Cup contenders Iran, Venezuela, Cameroon, Cape Verde, and more.
However, [Iran’s] current relations with the United States, which will be host the bulk of the tournament’s games, could make it hard, if not impossible for Iran’s fans and potentially even players and staff, to travel to the country for the games.
In a recent memo, the issuing of which was reported by Reuters, Iran was listed among 41 countries that would face partial or complete bans on citizens entering the United States by the Donald Trump administration. Iran specifically is listed among a group of 10 countries, including Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba and North Korea, that would be set for a full visa suspension.
— Iran qualify for 2026 World Cup amid potential Trump travel ban
The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/football/2025/mar/25/iran-world-cup-2026-visa-issues
Fans, and possibly players and staff, could face challenges traveling to matches hosted in the USA. How can FIFA claim “Football unites the world” with a host nation like the USA potentially banning another country from participating?