Iranian delegation in the US for World Cup draw after threatening boycott

Before the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, Iranian football team head coach Ardeshir Amir Ghalenoei and a delegation from the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation arrived in Washington, DC.

As preparations for the expanded 48-team competition next summer, which will be held by the US, Canada, and Mexico, continue, FIFA confirmed the delegation’s presence in the US capital on Friday.

Due to visa concerns, Iran initially declared they would boycott the ceremony in the US capital.

Amir Mehdi Alavi, a spokesman for the Iranian football federation (FFIRI), claimed the US had granted four visas, including coach Ghalenoei, despite the fact that Iran had submitted nine applications for nine visas for their delegation.

Mehdi Taj, the FFIRI’s president, denied having a visa, and called the choice a political one.

He stated on state television last week that he informed FIFA that the members of the Iranian delegation would not play in the World Cup draw.

“We have informed FIFA’s head, Mr. Gianni Infantino, that this is purely political position and that FIFA must inform them [US] to stop this behavior,” Taj continued.

For political and security reasons, the US has long-standing strict visa requirements for Iranian citizens.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation delegation has arrived in Washington, DC to take part in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Draw and the team seminar, according to a statement from the international organization.

“FIFA looks forward to working with the Federation and the host nation’s authorities to ensure that their participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will continue.”

Iran will face their group-stage foes at the draw later on Friday at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts after qualifying earlier this year through the Asian qualifiers.

For more than 40 years, the US and Iran have been at odds with one another.

Tehran and Washington had been engaged in high-level nuclear discussions that had started in April, when Tehran and Washington were at odds over Iran’s right to enrich uranium, which Tehran claims is “inalienable.”