Iran has announced it will boycott next week’s 2026 World Cup draw in Washington after the U.S. reportedly denied visas to members of its delegation, according to the state-run IRNA news agency. Iranian soccer federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi said the officials faced visa hurdles beyond normal sports considerations.
The federation has contacted FIFA seeking assistance, but the organization has yet to respond. The White House has not commented. Although exemptions exist under U.S. travel restrictions for athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate family attending major competitions, it remains unclear if these cover participation in the World Cup draw scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center.
Iran’s delegation would likely have been led by soccer federation president Mehdi Taj, a senior Asian football figure who sits on FIFA committees overseeing the World Cup, serves as a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation, and participates on panels for competitions and men’s national teams. The 2026 tournament, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams from June 11 to July 19.
Source: AP
