Iran Team Can Play, Fans Banned in USA

By Elke Porter | WBN News Global | July 21, 2025
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Players and officials cleared to compete in 2026 tournament, but fans remain barred

Athletic Exemptions Override Travel Restrictions

Iran's national soccer team will be permitted to compete in the 2026 World Cup despite being caught in President Donald Trump's expansive travel ban that restricts entry from 19 countries, according to exemptions built into the executive order.

The travel restrictions, which took effect June 9, include Iran among a dozen countries whose citizens are completely barred from entering the United States. Trump cited national security concerns and "deficient" vetting processes in implementing the broadest immigration crackdown of his presidency, affecting thousands of nationals from countries including Afghanistan, Myanmar, Haiti, and Sudan.

However, the executive order contains specific language exempting "any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event." This provision ensures that Iran's players and coaching staff will be eligible for visas when the tournament begins next summer.

Iran stands as the only nation on the travel ban list that has already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, having earned their spot as one of the first teams to qualify for the tournament co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Fans Face Different Reality

While the exemption resolves potential complications for FIFA and tournament organizers, it creates a stark divide for Iranian supporters. The restrictions mean that while Iran's national team can compete on American soil, ordinary Iranian fans will be prohibited from entering the country to watch their team play.

This limitation represents a significant disappointment for Iranian soccer enthusiasts, as the 2026 World Cup offers a rare opportunity to witness their national team compete in the United States—a chance made more meaningful by decades of political tension between the two nations.

Options in Canada and Mexico

However, Iranian fans may still have options to support their team during the tournament. Canada and Mexico, the co-host nations alongside the United States, do not have travel restrictions against Iran. This means Iranian supporters could potentially obtain visas through normal immigration processes to attend matches in Canadian or Mexican venues.

The tri-nation hosting arrangement creates strategic possibilities for Iranian fans. There has been discussion about FIFA potentially placing Iran in a group that would play primarily in Canada or Mexico, maximizing opportunities for their supporters to attend. Iranian citizens would need to follow standard visa application procedures for these countries, which don't impose the blanket travel bans that the United States has implemented.

Challenges Remain Despite Alternatives

Still, challenges remain for Iranian fans hoping to follow their team throughout the tournament. Most World Cup matches and venues will be located in the United States, and typically only one team among the 48 participants avoids playing group stage matches on American soil. This means Iran will likely be required to play at least some matches in U.S. venues where their supporters cannot attend, regardless of their group placement.

Broader Context of Travel Ban

The travel ban has drawn criticism for its broad scope, targeting countries facing internal conflict and authoritarian rule. Several affected nations, including Chad, Congo, and Equatorial Guinea, have been cited for high visa overstay rates, while others like Iran and Cuba have been designated as state sponsors of terrorism. This is why there is now an additional $250 US Visa refundable Integrity fee for anyone coming into the country.

The exemption system demonstrates how major international sporting events can transcend political barriers, allowing athletic competition to proceed even amid diplomatic tensions. As the 2026 World Cup approaches, Iran's participation will test this delicate balance between security concerns and international sporting commitments.

TAGS: #World Cup 2026 #Iran Travel Ban #FIFA Exemption #US Immigration #Soccer Politics #Trump Travel Ban #WBN News Global #Elke Porter

Connect with Elke at Westcoast German Media or on LinkedIn: Elke Porter or contact her on WhatsApp: +1 604 828 8788. Public Relations. Communications. Education.