Iran has imposed a ban on its national and club football teams from traveling to countries it classifies as “hostile,” intensifying uncertainty ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Ministry of Sports declared that Iranian teams will not be permitted to compete in nations unable to guarantee their athletes’ safety, effective immediately and until further notice.
The directive specifically referenced an upcoming playoff match scheduled to take place in Saudi Arabia next month, signaling a refusal to participate in fixtures held there. Although the ban does not explicitly mention the World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, it raises significant doubts about Iran’s ability to compete in matches on U.S. soil.
Iran has already secured its place in the tournament and is drawn in Group G alongside Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The team is slated to play two group matches in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Iranian officials are reportedly seeking to relocate their U.S.-based games to Mexico, citing security concerns amid ongoing regional tensions.
In a notable development, former U.S. President Donald Trump questioned the prudence of Iran’s participation in the World Cup, suggesting it might endanger the players’ lives. Meanwhile, FIFA is actively monitoring the evolving situation as the tournament approaches. Secretary General Mattias Grafström emphasized that the organization remains in contact with the host countries and will continue to evaluate the circumstances.
“We will keep track of developments, but it is too early to provide detailed comments,” Grafström stated, while expressing confidence that adequate safety measures will be implemented. With geopolitical tensions now impacting the sporting arena, Iran’s World Cup campaign faces increasing challenges related to logistics, security, and venue arrangements just months before the kickoff.
