Iran to Boycott 2026 World Cup Draw Over Visa Issues
According to reports from the Iranian state-run news agency IRNA, Iran has opted to boycott the upcoming draw for the 2026 World Cup, set to take place in Washington next week, due to visa denials for its delegation members.
Amir-Mahdi Alavi, a spokesperson for the Iranian soccer federation, indicated that the visa challenges faced by officials extend beyond typical sports-related matters.
As of now, there has been no official response from the White House regarding the situation.
Alavi mentioned that the federation had contacted FIFA in hopes of finding a resolution. FIFA has not yet provided any comments on the issue.
In June, President Donald Trump’s administration implemented a travel ban affecting citizens from twelve countries, including Iran. Notably, the ban also includes Haiti, which recently secured a spot in the World Cup.
The administration has promised exemptions for athletes and team members—including coaches and essential support staff—attending major sporting events like the World Cup or Olympics. However, it remains uncertain whether these exemptions apply to the draw event occurring on December 5 at the Kennedy Center.
The Iranian delegation would have been represented by Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian soccer federation and a prominent figure in Asian soccer. Taj also serves on two FIFA committees overseeing the World Cup, and holds a vice presidency in the Asian Football Confederation.
This World Cup, scheduled for June 11 to July 19, will feature a record 48 teams and will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
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