Trump’s Travel Ban Casts Shadow Over FIFA World Cup Access [Video]

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with most matches—including the final—taking place in American stadiums.

However, hopes among Iranian fans in particular to attend and support their national team on U.S. soil are now in doubt following President Donald Trump‘s announcement of a new travel ban targeting 12 countries, including Iran.

Newsweek has reached out the White House, FIFA and Iran’s foreign ministry for comment.

Why It Matters

The travel ban deepens already strained U.S.-Iran relations. With nuclear talks stalled and President Trump ramping up his “maximum pressure” campaign, the policy reflects rising tensions that now spill into global sports.

Events like the World Cup offer rare chances for connection across hostile borders. By barring Iranian fans, the ban closes one of the few remaining windows for people-to-people engagement, reinforcing a broader climate of isolation.