Iran qualify for 2026 FIFA World Cup as potential US travel ban looms

Iran qualified for the 2026 Men’s FIFA World Cup after a 2-2 draw against Uzbekistan in Group A of the Asian Qualifiers at Tehran’s Azadi Stadium on Tuesday. Some reports suggest that Iran’s qualification could pose diplomatic challenges, as the tournament will be hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico next year, featuring 48 teams.

Following Japan, Iran became the second Asian nation to secure a spot in the upcoming World Cup. The qualifying rounds for the global event are currently underway across different continents.

Iran needed just a draw against Uzbekistan to qualify. The match saw intense moments, with Uzbekistan initially leading 2-1 until the 82nd minute. However, Mehdi Taremi’s decisive goal in the 83rd minute leveled the score, securing Iran’s qualification.

Read: Gaza genocide: Norwegian Football Association refuses to play against Israel in World Cup Qualifiers

Uzbekistan took the lead in the 16th minute with a goal by Khojimat Erkinov. In the second half, Mehdi Taremi equalised for Iran, but just a minute later, Abbosbek Fayzullaev restored Uzbekistan’s lead.

Iran’s persistence paid off when Taremi struck again in the 83rd minute, ending the match in a 2-2 draw and ensuring Iran’s place in the World Cup with the crucial one point.

This marks Iran’s fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup qualification and its seventh overall appearance in the tournament.

Read more: Saudi Arabia won' lift alcohol ban during FIFA World Cup 2034, says UK envoy

In the third round of Asian qualifiers, 18 teams have been divided into three groups. The top two teams from each group will automatically qualify for the World Cup.

So far, Japan and New Zealand have also secured their spots, while hosts United States, Canada, and Mexico had already qualified as part of their hosting privileges.

With the US hosting the majority of the tournament matches, Iranian fans and players may face travel difficulties. The situation is concerning as Iran was among 41 countries whose citizens could face partial or permanent entry restrictions under the Trump administration.