00:00The World Cup 2026 just hit a political storm.
00:03Iran is threatening to pull out before the tournament even begins.
00:07The official group stage draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup is set for December 5th in Washington, D.C.
00:14But Iran might not show up at all. Why?
00:17Because several members of their delegation were denied entry into the U.S.
00:21This comes after Donald Trump's controversial immigration ban blocked citizens from 19 countries.
00:26Iran is on that list.
00:28While a few of their officials were granted visas, key figures including their Football Federation president were rejected.
00:34Now Iran has issued a bold warning.
00:37Approve all their visas or they're not coming.
00:39They even hinted at withdrawing from the tournament if things don't change.
00:43This drama is unfolding just days before the draw for the first ever 48-team World Cup,
00:48despite exemptions for players and coaches.
00:50It's unclear if fans or families from banned nations will be allowed entry.
00:54Iran isn't alone.
00:56Haiti has qualified too, but they're also on Trump's banned list.
01:00Will politics overshadow the beautiful game?
01:02We'll find out very soon.
01:04One thing's clear.
01:06This World Cup is already rewriting the rules of football.
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