Iran has secured its spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday. With this result, Iran’s national team (“Team Melli”) has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup and seventh overall. However, uncertainty looms over the team’s participation due to a potential travel ban imposed by Donald Trump’s administration in the United States, which is set to host the majority of the tournament. This has raised concerns for both players and fans.

Taremi Shines as Iran Seals Qualification

The standout performer for Iran was Inter Milan striker Mehdi Taremi, who scored both goals for his team. Despite an unconvincing performance, Iran managed to secure qualification by ensuring a top-two finish in Group A of the third round of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) qualifiers.

On the other hand, Uzbekistan missed the opportunity to clinch its first-ever World Cup spot but still has two more matches to secure qualification.

Qualified Teams and Mathematical Possibilities

Iran is the seventh team to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, joining the United States, Canada, and Mexico (as hosts), along with Japan, Argentina, and New Zealand. The expansion of the tournament to 48 teams has facilitated qualification from Asia, but the achievement remains significant.

The Shadow of Trump’s Ban

Despite Iran’s success on the pitch, its participation in the U.S.-hosted tournament remains in doubt due to strained diplomatic relations with Washington. According to a recent memo cited by Reuters, Iran is among 41 countries that could face travel restrictions under the Trump administration. Alongside Afghanistan, Syria, Cuba, and North Korea, Iran is one of ten nations expected to be subject to a complete visa suspension under an executive order set for implementation on January 20, 2025, aimed at tightening entry restrictions from “threatening” nations. This policy echoes the 2017 Muslim-majority country travel ban.

Fixture Complications and Possible Scenarios

Out of the 48 groups, only one spot (third place in Group A) would allow a non-host nation to play all its group-stage matches outside the U.S., in Mexico. Iran could avoid playing in the U.S. only if it finishes first in its group, which would allow it to continue playing in Mexico until the quarterfinals in Miami. However, Iran has never advanced past the group stage in a World Cup. Its closest attempt came in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, where a 1-1 draw with Portugal on the final matchday kept it from progressing to the Round of 16. A similar scenario unfolded in the 2022 World Cup, where Iran lost 1-0 to the United States when a draw would have been enough to secure a knockout-stage berth.