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Iran will boycott next week’s draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington DC after several senior football officials were denied visas by the United States.
The decision, confirmed by the Associated Press and Reuters, has turned what should have been a routine administrative gathering into a diplomatic flashpoint.
“Even the world’s most global sport cannot always insulate itself from political decisions”
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported that only four members of its delegation were granted visas, while applications from key officials were rejected.
Among them was Mehdi Taj, president of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran and one of the most senior figures in the Asian game. Reuters, citing Iranian officials, noted that Taj was expected to lead the delegation, as is customary for national associations at World Cup draws.
Amir Mahdi Alavi, the federation’s spokesman, said the obstacles were plainly unrelated to sport. Tehran has informed FIFA of its position and asked the governing body to intervene, although FIFA has yet to comment publicly.
Asharq Al Awsat and The Guardian also reported the federation’s intention to abstain, adding that Iran views the situation as a breach of the spirit of global sporting engagement.
The dispute sits against the backdrop of the US travel restrictions introduced in June. The measures bar most travellers from 12 states, including Iran.
The White House has indicated that exemptions exist for athletes, coaches and essential staff travelling to major sporting events. However, as both AP and Reuters point out, the guidance does not specify whether ancillary events, such as a draw, are covered by the exemptions.
The result is an awkward standoff at a delicate moment. The expanded 48-team World Cup will open in June across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Organisers have been trying to maintain a narrative of operational readiness, despite political noise in recent weeks, including President Donald Trump’s public musings about removing host cities from the match schedule.
Iran’s absence from the draw will not affect the structure of the tournament. It does, however, highlight a familiar truth that football often seeks to resist.
Even the world’s most global sport cannot always insulate itself from political decisions taken far from the pitch.
