Iran to boycott World Cup draw over visa issue

Due to the limited number of visas available to their delegation, Iran says they intend to boycott Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in the US.

Iran’s delegation has received four visas from the US, but none for Mehdi Taj, the country’s football federation, according to the Tehran Times.

Taj claimed to have spoken with Gianni Infantino, the president of Fifa, about the matter.

In an interview with Iranian television on Thursday, Taj stated, “We are evaluating our options, which will depend on the circumstances and the timing.”

We will make the necessary decision as soon as possible, and we keep in touch with the Iranian foreign ministry and other authorities.

No one will attend the event unless all visas are issued, according to the executive committee of the Iranian Football Federation.

On Friday, December 5th, at 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time), the draw is scheduled to take place in Washington, DC.

Iran are now qualified for their fourth successive World Cup finals.

For political and security reasons, the US, Canada and Mexico, which are co-hosting the 2026 tournament, have long-standing strict visa restrictions on Iranians.

In an effort to reduce security threats, US President Donald Trump issued an executive order in June banning citizens from 12 nations from entering the country.

Although the executive order is supposed to exempt athletes and coaches traveling to the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, Iran is one of the nations that are affected by the ban.

Taj said, “It seems to us that the situation has become politicized.” The situation is completely politicized and we informed the Fifa president, Mr. Infantino, that they have taken a political stand.