Iran was the third team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup. However, when the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) convened this week in Atlanta, Georgia, to plan for participating nations, Iran was the only team absent.

"I really don't care if Iran participates," Trump said in an exclusive interview with Politico on 3/3. "I think the country of Iran has been severely defeated. They are running out of resources."

Iranian fans cheer for their team before the 2023 Asian Cup semifinal match between Qatar and Iran at Al Thumama Stadium, Doha, Qatar on 7/2/2024. Both teams, having qualified for this summer's World Cup, are currently embroiled in military conflict. *Photo: AP*

Iran's absence from the meeting raised questions about whether Tehran would send its national team to the US for this summer's tournament, due to escalating conflict in the region. Public opinion also questioned whether the US government would allow Iranian officials entry if the team decides to participate.

The 2026 World Cup will be held across three North American nations. FIFA has long strived to separate geopolitics from the World Cup. However, with one host nation conducting airstrikes against a participating country, and that country then retaliating with attacks on other tournament participants, the prospect of Iranian players setting foot in the US becomes the tournament's most sensitive issue.

According to the current schedule, Iran is set to play New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15/6, face Belgium, also in Los Angeles, on 21/6, and meet Egypt in Seattle on 26/6. If both the US and Iran finish second in their groups, the two teams could meet in a knockout match on 3/7 in Dallas.

Following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory, which pushed the region into open conflict, Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated that the country might not send a team to the tournament. "What is certain is that after this attack, we cannot look forward to the World Cup with hope," Taj told Iranian sports news agency Varzesh3.

Even before the military conflict erupted, the issue of issuing visas to Iranian fans and high-ranking figures overshadowed tournament preparations. Iran, along with Haiti, were two World Cup participating nations subject to the strictest entry ban under an executive order Trump issued in 6/2025.

This ban includes exceptions for World Cup teams and support staff. However, the granting or denial of visas for other individuals, including government officials or leaders of companies sponsoring the team, will be reviewed by the US Department of State on a case-by-case basis.

In 12/2025, the US Department of State did not fully approve visa applications for Iranian representatives attending the World Cup draw in Washington. Iran then threatened to boycott the event, forcing FIFA to mediate.

The three-day event organized by FIFA in Atlanta this week included meetings and workshops for participating national federations. Discussions covered topics ranging from team medical services, facilities, match organization, to commercial matters.

The White House World Cup task force has monitored geopolitical complexities that could affect the tournament for months. Andrew Giuliani, director of the task force, stated that exceptions to the entry ban would be based on security considerations.

"We want a safe and secure World Cup," Giuliani said. "Of course, we want teams to come here and compete, but we also understand that most fans come to enjoy a great tournament. Someone would be naive to think that with what Iran is going through, we could simply open our borders."

Hoang An (according to Politico)