Iran has announced it will boycott next week’s FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in Washington after the United States reportedly refused visas to key members of its football delegation.
A spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation told state television that the US decision to deny visas to senior officials, including Federation President Mehdi Taj, is politically motivated and unrelated to sport. As a result, Iranian representatives will not attend the draw ceremony scheduled for December 5.
According to Iranian media reports, visas were granted to four individuals, including national team coach Amir Ghalenoei, but key officials were excluded. Taj described the US move as fully political and said he had requested FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene to ensure Iran’s delegation could participate.
Iran qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026 in March, marking its fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance in the tournament. While the team has yet to reach the knockout stage, its historic 2-1 victory against the US in the 1998 World Cup remains a memorable highlight.
