Iran has decided to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw ceremony following a visa dispute with the United States. The draw is scheduled to take place on December 5 in Washington, but the Iranian delegation will not be attending.
Visa Issue Sparks Diplomatic Tension
According to the Iranian Football Federation, the United States issued visas to only four members of the Iranian delegation. The approvals included a few officials but excluded key figures, including the head coach and the president of the federation, Mehdi Taj.
Statement from the Federation
Federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi said the decision to skip the ceremony was made because the US failed to issue visas to essential members of the delegation. He criticized the move, saying it violated the principles of sports neutrality and fair treatment.
Iran Notifies FIFA of Its Decision
Reports confirm that the Iranian Football Federation has informed FIFA about its choice to boycott the draw. The federation argued that attending the event without its full leadership would be inappropriate and disrespectful to the team.
Iran Already Qualified for the Tournament
Iran secured its spot in the FIFA World Cup 2026 earlier this year during the March qualification window. The draw would have determined Iran’s opponents for the group stage.
What This Move Means Going Forward
Possible Impact on Relations
The boycott adds another layer to the already strained political relations between Iran and the United States. While the decision is unlikely to affect Iran’s participation in the tournament itself, it highlights the continued intersection of politics and international sports.
FIFA’s Expected Response
FIFA has not yet issued an official public response, but the situation may prompt discussions on ensuring equal access for all participating nations, especially when events are hosted in countries with complex diplomatic relations.
