UPDATE: Iran has officially announced its decision to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, due to the United States denying visas to members of its delegation. This significant development, confirmed by Iranian soccer federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi, underscores the ongoing tensions between Iran and the U.S.
The Iranian soccer federation faced visa obstacles that extend beyond mere sports considerations, according to Alavi. The federation has reached out to FIFA for assistance in resolving this pressing issue. As of now, there has been no comment from the White House regarding the visa denials.
The situation is further complicated by the travel ban implemented by President Donald Trump‘s administration in June, which restricts citizens from 12 countries, including Iran. While exemptions were promised for athletes and their support teams traveling for major sporting events, questions remain about whether these exemptions apply to the World Cup draw.
The Iranian delegation was expected to be led by Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian soccer federation and a prominent figure in Asian soccer. Taj holds significant positions within FIFA, including roles on committees that oversee the World Cup and men’s national team soccer.
The 2026 World Cup, set to take place from June 11 to July 19, will be historic, featuring a record 48 teams. Iran’s boycott raises concerns about the implications for international sports diplomacy and the potential for further escalations in relations between the U.S. and Iran.
As this story develops, attention will turn to FIFA’s response and any potential resolutions that may arise before the draw. The decision to withdraw from such a high-profile event could have lasting impacts on the perception of international sporting events and their ability to bridge geopolitical divides.
Stay tuned for more updates on this urgent situation as it unfolds.
