Iran’s national soccer federation has announced it will boycott the official draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington following the United States’ refusal to grant visas to members of its delegation. The decision, reported by Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency, represents a significant diplomatic incident at the intersection of international sports and politics.
According to federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi, Iranian officials encountered “visa obstacles that transcend purely sporting considerations,” suggesting geopolitical tensions underlie the administrative decision. The delegation was expected to include Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation and one of Asia’s most influential football administrators who serves on two key FIFA committees overseeing World Cup operations.
The development occurs against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s travel ban affecting citizens from twelve nations, including Iran, though exemptions were explicitly promised for athletes and sports officials participating in major international competitions. FIFA has been approached to mediate the situation, though world soccer’s governing body has not yet issued an official response.
The White House maintained silence regarding the specific visa denials. This incident marks the latest chapter in the strained relations between the two nations, now impacting the global sports arena. The 2026 World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams competing from June 11 to July 19.