Iran has announced it may boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, DC, citing limited visa approvals for its delegation.
According to the Tehran Times, the United States has issued only four visas to Iranian officials, none of which include Mehdi Taj, president of the Iran Football Federation. Taj confirmed that he had discussed the matter with FIFA president Gianni Infantino as the country evaluates its options.
“We are evaluating our options, which will depend on timing and circumstances,” Taj said in an interview with Iranian television on Thursday. “We remain in close communication with the Iranian foreign ministry and other authorities, and we will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time. The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.”
The World Cup draw is scheduled for Friday, 5 December, at 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time). Iran has qualified for its seventh World Cup finals, marking its fourth consecutive appearance at football’s premier tournament.
The visa issues stem from longstanding U.S. restrictions on Iranian nationals due to political and security concerns. In June, former President Donald Trump signed an executive order restricting entry from 12 countries, including Iran. While the order is intended to exempt athletes and coaching staff traveling for international competitions such as the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, Iran’s delegation has not received approval for all members.
The situation adds a tense political dimension to the tournament draw, with football fans awaiting confirmation of whether Iran will participate in the ceremony. FIFA has yet to comment on the dispute.
