Iranian Community Disappointed as National Team Bypasses Vancouver

Members of British Columbia’s Iranian community expressed deep disappointment after learning that Iran’s national soccer team will not play in Vancouver during the upcoming FIFA World Cup. Babak Shabazi, a prominent community figure and president of the Shaheen Athletic Club, noted the shock felt by many who had hoped to support their team locally.

Instead of competing in Vancouver, Iran will play all three of its group stage matches in the United States. This decision has raised concerns among Iranian-Canadians regarding travel to the U.S. due to existing political tensions and visa restrictions. According to the 2021 Census, there are approximately 45,000 Iranian-Canadians in Metro Vancouver, although some estimates suggest a higher number.

Travel Concerns Amid Political Tensions

Shabazi highlighted that Iranians with permanent residency in Canada face significant challenges when attempting to enter the United States. Those individuals must apply for visas to travel south, a process complicated by recent U.S. policy changes. The administration of former President Donald Trump had suspended visa applications from Iran and 18 other predominantly Islamic countries, citing security concerns.

As a Canadian citizen, Shabazi has previously crossed the border without issues. He expressed hope that FIFA, soccer’s global governing body, might exert influence on U.S. authorities to ease these restrictions for fans eager to support their team.

Having attended every World Cup since 1998, except for the 2022 tournament held in Qatar, Shabazi remains optimistic about witnessing Iran play live during the World Cup in North America. While he has not yet secured tickets, he indicated there is a “good chance” he will attend one of Iran’s matches in the U.S.

Upcoming Matches in the U.S.

Iran’s schedule includes a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26, 2026, and two games in Greater Los Angeles: one against New Zealand on June 15, 2026, and another against Belgium on June 21, 2026. The absence of matches in Vancouver has not only disappointed local fans but has also sparked discussions about the broader implications of political relations on sporting events.

Shabazi’s sentiments reflect a shared frustration within the Iranian community, who had been looking forward to celebrating their team’s participation in the World Cup closer to home. As the tournament approaches, the hope for a resolution to travel restrictions persists among fans eager to support their team, no matter where the matches take place.

This report was first published by The Canadian Press on December 7, 2025.