Iran to Skip 2026 World Cup Draw Over U.S. Visa Denials

Tehran has announced that its national football delegation will not attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., citing denied visas for several officials. The Iranian Football Federation stated that the refusal to grant visas was politically motivated and unrelated to sport.

The boycott affects top members of the delegation, including the federation president, while some officials who received visas will attend separately. The federation has formally informed FIFA of its decision and urged the organization to address the issue.

Iran, which secured qualification for its fourth consecutive World Cup, has yet to advance past the tournament’s group stage. The team’s historical matchups with the United States, including a notable 1998 win and a 2022 loss, add tension to the current situation.

Relations between Tehran and Washington have remained strained for decades, with recent talks over Iran’s nuclear program failing to yield a resolution. Escalating military actions in the region earlier this year have further complicated diplomatic channels.

FIFA has not yet commented on the Iranian federation’s announcement, though the governing body is expected to respond before the draw on December 5. Observers note that the boycott highlights the ongoing intersection of politics and international sport.

The Iranian delegation’s absence will be felt at the official draw ceremony, raising questions about participation protocols for countries facing visa restrictions. Sports analysts suggest that FIFA may need to consider contingency plans for affected teams.

Despite the boycott, Iran remains focused on its World Cup preparations, with training camps and friendly matches ongoing to ensure the team is ready for the tournament. Football officials in Tehran have emphasized that the decision is a protest against political interference rather than a withdrawal from competition.

The situation underscores the broader challenges of hosting global sporting events amid complex international relations, particularly when host countries impose restrictive visa policies.