Iran has announced a boycott of the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, scheduled to take place in Washington next week, due to the United States' refusal to issue visas to members of its delegation.
Reasons for the boycott and visas
Federation representatives said their officials have faced entry denials that, they claim, are not solely related to sporting matters. In June, the Donald Trump administration introduced an entry ban for citizens of 12 countries, a list that included Iran; the list also features Haiti, which recently qualified for the World Cup.
At the same time, diplomatic guidance provided exemptions for athletes, coaches, accompanying personnel and close relatives traveling to major international competitions, if designated by the Secretary of State. It is currently unclear whether that list specifically covers the draw ceremony, which will take place on December 5 at the Kennedy Center.
Actions by the Football Federation
The Football Federation of Iran has appealed to FIFA to assist in resolving the visa issue and to ensure the delegation's participation in the event.
Officials have faced visa obstacles that go beyond sporting considerations
– Amir‑Mahdi Alavi, spokesperson for the Football Federation of Iran
Delegation and the 2026 World Cup
It was expected that Iran's delegation would be led by federation president Mehdi Taj, who holds senior positions in Asian football and is a member of two FIFA committees involved in organizing the World Cup.
He is also a vice‑president of the Asian Football Confederation and serves on FIFA bodies responsible for competitions and the men's national team. The 2026 tournament will feature a record 48 teams and will be held from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
