USA vs Iran at the 2026 World Cup? The Ultimate FIFA Dilemma

Several issues have already surfaced regarding the USA co-hosting the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico - two countries at loggerheads with the US over trade policies. 

Trump's Travel Ban

The stakes have escalated due to the actions of ICE and the fears of visiting fans being detained at the border. Furthermore Trump's travel ban prevents citizens from various countries entering the country, though an exemption is in place for players, staff and associated families of teams participating in the tournament.

One of those countries is Iran, who qualified for the World Cup in March. America automatically qualify as hosts raising the possibility that the two countries could meet on the pitch while the two countries are involved in an ongoing conflict.

In the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the two countries met in the group stages with the US narrowly edging the game 1-0 thanks to a Christian Pulisic goal. But tensions would be far higher now, creating a scenario that could prove deeply problematic for FIFA. 

Luck of the draw could yet save FIFA, should Iran get given a slot in Group A where they would play all their games in Mexico. The draw takes place in December.

Separating Sport and Politics

Much as though FIFA likes to position soccer as above politics, their problems are exacerbated by Infantino's close relationship with Trump, who authorized the bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at the weekend.

FIFA controversially awarded the hosting of 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia raising further questions about corruption and FIFA's ties to authoritarian regimes.

The problem has been exemplified by Inter Milan's Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi who, despite being named in Inter's squad for the Club World Cup, has been stuck in Tehran amid the ongoing war and unable to join his team.

Will Iran Be Banned?

Neither FIFA nor Trump has commented on Iran's potential participation in the tournament. President Gianni Infantino and the FIFA Council has the final say on inclusion in the competition and the make-up of the draw.

The situation is not without precedent with Russia being indefinitely suspended by FIFA since invading Ukraine.