Iran clinched its spot at the 2026 World Cup thanks to a tense 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in Tehran. Striker Mehdi Taremi struck his second goal in the dying minutes after a golazo equalizer in the 50th minute. This marks Iran’s fourth straight qualification and seventh overall. Yet for many supporters, the celebration has been clouded by the news that they might be barred from traveling to the United States if the Trump administration enacts a new ban.
The White House has been scrutinizing visitors from countries it views as security threats, and Iran is high on that list. The proposed policy would mean that most Iranian citizens, even those eager to cheer on their national team, wouldn’t receive visas. It’s not the first time Team Melli has contended with political headwinds, but the stakes feel particularly high now that the World Cup is coming to North American soil.
Growing diplomatic tensions
President Donald Trump has reinforced pressure on Iran, citing concerns over the country’s nuclear program. “I said I hope you’re going to negotiate, because it’s going to be a lot better for Iran,” Trump told FOX Business in March, recalling a letter he says he sent to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He later underlined, “We have a situation with Iran that something’s going to happen very soon… Hopefully, we can have a peace deal.”
Talks so far appear stalled. Iran’s leadership has called Trump’s overtures “a deception,” while some government officials remain open to negotiating, provided that sanctions are loosened. The uncertainty leaves football supporters in limbo. Even if players and team staff secure the travel exemptions often granted to official delegations, fans could remain at home, missing the shared energy of a global tournament.
Iran’s path to qualification was hard-earned, featuring strong finishes and Taremi’s knack for crucial goals. While the expanded 48-team format helped, nobody in Tehran was taking anything for granted when they faced Uzbekistan. Now that qualification is in the bag, attention turns to how Iran might fare on the world stage and whether fans will be there to witness it.
The U.S. stands to host the majority of World Cup matches, but it’s unclear if supporters from Iran will be allowed through the gates. Football unites millions, yet political realities can still divide.
