Trump's travel ban threatens Iran's 2026 FIFA World Cup participation

It seems unlikely, but you never know. Could the butterfly effect from U.S. President Donald Trump bring tears to the Iranian national football team?

The British 'Sports Bible' reported on the 31st (Korean time) that "Iran, which secured its early qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup following Japan, might lose its chance to participate," adding, "This is due to the travel ban imposed by President Donald Trump."

Ranked 18th in the FIFA rankings, Iran is second in Asia behind Japan (15th). On the 26th, it secured 20 points after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan, securing its ticket to the 2026 North America World Cup. It is the second team in Asia to confirm its qualification after Japan, and the third in the world after New Zealand.

The Iranian national team has made an impressive entry into the World Cup, qualifying for the fourth consecutive tournament since the 2014 Brazil competition, and will compete in its seventh World Cup overall. It showed overwhelming performance in Group A. Unlike past Iranian teams, there is a perfect blend of youth and experience, leading to evaluations that it is stronger than ever.

However, despite confirming early qualification with a strong lineup, it now finds itself in a situation where participation in the World Cup could be jeopardized. The issue is that U.S. President Donald Trump is considering measures to restrict the entry of citizens from Iran and 42 other countries into the United States, the main host of the North America World Cup.

The New York Times recently reported on this policy of the Trump administration, noting that particularly Iran, North Korea, Venezuela, and seven other countries have been designated as countries with a complete visa ban. Especially, Iran has been in significant conflict with Trump during his first term, similar to North Korea.

The recent tensions are escalating. President Donald Trump sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei regarding negotiations on Iran's nuclear weapons, but President Masoud Pezeshkian has expressed refusal to engage.

During President Trump's first term, the U.S. unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement with Iran and six major powers three years after it was signed in 2018. The Biden administration had resumed discussions with Iran, but the situation has become uneasy again with Trump’s second term.

'Sports Bible' explained, "Iran has secured early qualification for the World Cup, but participation could become uncertain according to President Trump's sanctions. Citizens of 43 countries, including Iran, face restrictions on entering the U.S. according to the travel ban country list. It's unclear whether the Iranian team will be able to compete in the World Cup if Trump's sanctions are implemented, and there is a low possibility that Trump will provide any exemptions."

The outlet emphasized, "If President Trump's sanctions are enacted, the Iranian national team is likely to be unable to compete in the U.S. Regardless of participation in the World Cup, it is unlikely that President Trump will grant any privileges," stating that "FIFA will engage with the U.S. government to resolve this situation."

[OSEN]