2026 World Cup: Iran threatens to boycott draw over U.S. visa restrictions

2026 World Cup: Iran threatens to boycott draw over U.S. visa restrictions

Iran says it plans to boycott Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in the United States due to the limited number of visas issued for its delegation.

According to the Tehran Times, the U.S. has granted only four visas to Iranian officials, excluding Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI). Taj confirmed he had raised the matter directly with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.

Read Also: 2026 World Cup Draw: U.S. denies entry to Iranian delegation

“We are evaluating our options, which will depend on timing and circumstances,” Taj told Iranian television.

“We remain in close communication with the Iranian foreign ministry and other authorities, and we will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time.

Read Also: 2026 World Cup: Full list of 42 countries already qualified

“The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.”

The draw is scheduled for Friday, 5 December, in Washington.

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Iran have qualified for their seventh World Cup finals and fourth consecutive appearance. However, the U.S., co-hosting the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, maintains strict visa rules for Iranian nationals due to long-standing political and security tensions.

In June, U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order banning nationals from 12 countries from entering the U.S., citing security concerns.

Iran is among the nations affected, though the order supposedly exempts athletes and coaching staff travelling for global sporting events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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