The reinstatement of a travel ban by U.S. President Donald Trump has stirred international concern, especially regarding Iran’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The ban, set to take effect from June 9, 2025, blocks visa issuance to citizens of 12 countries, including Iran, on grounds of national security.
The full travel ban applies to nations such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen. In addition to this, seven other countries—such as Cuba, Laos, and Venezuela—face partial restrictions. President Trump justified the measure by citing a recent terror attack in Boulder, Colorado, stating that a tighter vetting process is necessary to protect American citizens.
This policy has cast a shadow over the participation of the Iranian national football team, which has already qualified for the 2026 tournament. While the ban generally restricts citizens of these countries from entering the U.S., it does allow for exemptions in specific cases, including major international sporting events. These exemptions mean Iran’s national team players, coaches, and essential support staff should be allowed entry to compete in the tournament. However, this is only guaranteed as long as the policy remains unchanged in the months leading up to the World Cup.
The real impact of the ban will be felt by Iranian fans, who are not covered under the exemptions and may find it nearly impossible to attend matches in person due to visa restrictions. Even before the ban, Iranian nationals faced a complex and often frustrating process to obtain U.S. visas. The renewed ban now adds another layer of difficulty, potentially depriving Iranian players of the support of their fans in the stadium.
Iranian officials have strongly condemned the move, describing it as an expression of a “supremacist and racist” mindset. They argue that the United States continues to show deep-rooted animosity towards Muslim-majority countries. Meanwhile, international observers have raised questions about the implications of such travel policies on major global sporting events. FIFA, the sport’s global governing body, has reiterated that World Cup host nations are required to ensure access for all qualifying teams and their fans.
In past statements, FIFA made it clear that hosting the tournament comes with the responsibility of inclusivity and non-discrimination. However, the enforcement of such standards will now be tested by the U.S. decision to implement a sweeping travel ban.
As the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continues, the travel restrictions put the United States in a difficult position. On one hand, it must uphold its national security agenda; on the other, it is expected to honor the international commitments that come with hosting one of the world’s most significant sporting events.
While athlete-specific exemptions provide a temporary solution for teams like Iran’s, the broader question remains whether political decisions will undermine the global and unifying spirit of the World Cup. If the ban remains in place, the tournament could face diplomatic backlash and diminished attendance from affected countries, potentially marring what is meant to be a celebration of international unity through sport.
