Recently, international media has talked about the possibility that the Iranian team may not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup due to political tensions with the US - the tournament's main host country.
However, up to now, FIFA has not made any official statements or decisions on the possibility of banning Iran from participating.
Iran is one of the teams that won an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup finals. However, with 78 of the total 104 matches taking place in the US, the possibility of this team having difficulty entering the national team is being questioned. Iran is on the list of countries banned from entering the US under an immigration ban issued by US President Donald Trump.
Experts say that if the parties really want Iran to participate, FIFA can arrange this team to play in Canada or Mexico - the two co-hostes who do not apply the same ban. However, this is just one of many hypotheses that have not been confirmed by FIFA.
In addition, tensions between Iran and the US have begun to affect the players. Striker Mehdi taremi is said to be unable to participate in the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 with Inter Miami because Iran has closed its airspace, causing obstacles to international travel.
The situation is still complicated, and Iran's future at the 2026 World Cup will depend on political factors and official decisions from FIFA - the organization that has not yet spoken.
Previously, last year, FIFA and UEFA decided to maintain a ban on Russia from tournaments around the world until the 2026 World Cup. The Russian Football Federation was suspended after the Russian government launched a war with Ukraine in February 2022.
In addition, FIFA also suspended two more football federations of two other countries, Congo and Pakistan. Both teams from these countries will not be able to participate in the 2026 World Cup.
