Iranian football fans may not be able to watch the 2026 World Cup due to US sanctions. Restrictions on international payments and streaming services have created major problems, making it hard for fans in IRI to access official match broadcasts.
Dreams Shattered for Iranian Football Fans
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just one year away. For many Iranian football fans, this tournament was supposed to be a dream come true. They had hoped to travel to the United States and cheer for their national team, Team Melli. But a new US travel ban may now stop those dreams.
US Travel Ban Blocks the Way
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump announced a ban on citizens from 12 countries, including (IRI). This ban will begin next Monday and will prevent ordinary Iranians from entering the United States.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by three countries — the United States, Canada, and Mexico. But most of the matches, including the grand final, will take place in the United States. With the travel ban in place, many Iranian fans will not be allowed to attend the games in person, even though (IRI) has already qualified for the tournament.
Disappointment Among Iranian Supporters
Many fans in Iran are heartbroken. Sohrab Naderi, a businessman from Tehran, shared his sadness:
“My friends and I had been dreaming for years of watching Team Melli play in the US. When (IRI) qualified, we felt this was our once-in-a-lifetime chance. But now, politics has taken that chance away.”
Naderi was lucky enough to watch Iran play live in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. He watched Iran play against the United States, a match the US won 1-0. But for 2026, that chance seems gone.
The US travel ban will not affect athletes or official team members. However, it does apply to general fans and tourists. The ban follows recent US security concerns, including claims that an illegal immigrant was involved in a violent attack in Colorado.
Hopes for Peace Through Football
Even though politics has created barriers, many believe that football can still be a way to bring people together. Some Iranian fans are still hopeful that the situation could change before the World Cup begins.
Political experts also agree that big sporting events like the World Cup can open doors between countries. A great example is from the 1998 World Cup, when Iran and the United States faced each other on the field. Before the game started, players from both teams exchanged flowers and shook hands. It was a powerful moment of peace. Iran won the match 2-1, but the friendly behavior won the hearts of fans across the world.
It’s not yet known if Iran and the United States will play each other in the 2026 World Cup. But if they do, it could be another moment to reduce tensions between the two nations.
Until then, fans like Naderi can only hope that leaders will make decisions that allow people to come together through sport. Football is more than just a game — for many, it’s a symbol of unity, hope, and peace.
