FIFA 2026: How Is Iran Playing In A World Cup Hosted Mainly By The USA?
Despite war tensions, Iran overcame visa hurdles, travel challenges and political uncertainty to compete in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is already historic. For the first time, 48 teams are competing, and the tournament is being hosted by three countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico.
But one team's journey has become one of the biggest stories of the World Cup: Iran.
Despite qualifying comfortably, Iran's participation was uncertain. Just months ago, Iran's Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali had suggested the country might boycott the tournament because of the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.
This raised a major question: Would Iranian players even be allowed into the USA, where most World Cup matches are being played?
After discussions between FIFA, US authorities and Iranian officials, the players received visas and were cleared to participate. However, several Iranian officials and support staff were denied entry, creating logistical challenges for the team.
Iran was forced to move its training base from Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico. Now, the squad regularly crosses the border to play matches in the United States.
Their first game against New Zealand in Los Angeles ended in a thrilling 2-2 draw in front of more than 70,000 fans.
But the challenges continued. Coach Amir Ghalenoei revealed the team was instructed to leave Los Angeles immediately after the match and return to Mexico, leaving little time for rest and recovery. He described Iran as the "most disadvantaged" team at the tournament.
Yet despite visa issues, travel fatigue and missing staff, Iran continues to compete.
For many, this is a reminder that sport can sometimes achieve what politics cannot. Nations may be in conflict, but once the whistle blows, players still share the same field, the same rules and the same dream.
That is what makes Iran's World Cup journey one of the most remarkable stories in football history.
