Iran will boycott next week’s 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., citing visa restrictions for its soccer officials.

The decision comes after the U.S. denied visas to members of Iran’s delegation. According to the state-run IRNA news agency, the obstacles go beyond normal sports procedures.

Iran’s soccer federation spokesman, Amir-Mahdi Alavi, said the federation has reached out to FIFA for help. Meanwhile, FIFA has not yet responded to requests for comment.

The White House also did not immediately comment on the matter.

President Donald Trump’s administration announced a travel ban in June affecting 12 countries, including Iran and Haiti. Last week, Haiti qualified for the World Cup.

Exemptions were promised for athletes, team members, coaches, and immediate relatives traveling for major events like the World Cup or Olympics. However, it is unclear whether these exemptions include attendance at the draw itself, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center.

The Iranian delegation would have been led by Mehdi Taj, president of Iran’s soccer federation. Taj is also a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and sits on multiple FIFA committees. These committees oversee World Cup competitions and men’s national team soccer across Asia.

Taj’s presence is considered significant, as he is one of the most senior officials in Asian soccer. Without him, Iran’s participation in the draw would have been highly symbolic, demonstrating influence within FIFA.

Additionally, a record 48 teams are expected to participate in the World Cup, which will take place June 11–July 19, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The expanded tournament makes representation at the draw particularly important for all participating nations.

Iran’s boycott highlights the tension between sports diplomacy and U.S. immigration policies. While exemptions exist for athletes, the rules for officials appear unclear.

As a result, Iran will skip the draw entirely unless FIFA intervenes. The situation has drawn attention from sports fans and diplomatic observers alike, adding another layer of complexity to preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The coming days will show whether Iran and FIFA can resolve the visa issues before the official event. Meanwhile, fans around the world await the full draw that sets the stage for next year’s historic tournament.

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