DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) – Iran has announced its decision to boycott the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Washington next week. This decision follows the U.S. government's refusal to grant visas to members of Iran's delegation, as reported by the state-run news agency IRNA on Friday.
The spokesperson for the Iranian soccer federation, Amir-Mahdi Alavi, indicated that the visa issues faced by officials extend beyond mere sports-related concerns. There has yet to be any official comment from the White House regarding this situation.
Alavi remarked that the federation had reached out to FIFA, the international governing body of soccer, in hopes of resolving the visa predicament. However, FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment on this matter.
This incident comes in the context of travel restrictions implemented by President Donald Trump’s administration. In June, a travel ban was imposed on citizens from twelve countries, including Iran, as part of the administration's broader immigration policy. The list also included Haiti, which notably qualified for the World Cup last week.
Despite the travel ban, exemptions were promised for athletes and members of athletic teams, including coaches and immediate family members, who are traveling for major sporting events such as the World Cup, the Olympics, or other significant competitions as determined by the Secretary of State. However, it remains unclear whether these exemptions apply to the upcoming World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center.
The Iranian delegation was anticipated to be led by Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian soccer federation. He is recognized as one of the highest-ranking officials in Asian soccer and plays a critical role on two FIFA committees responsible for overseeing the World Cup. Additionally, he serves as a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and is involved in FIFA panels that govern competitions and the general conduct of men’s national soccer teams.
The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a historic 48 teams and will take place from June 11 to July 19, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The event marks a significant milestone in sports history, with an expanded tournament format that includes more nations than ever before.
As tensions surrounding visa issues continue, the outcome of Iran's boycott and its implications for participation in future international sporting events remain to be seen. The situation underscores the intersection of politics and sports, particularly in the context of international relations and diplomacy within global sporting events.
