FIFA World Cup 2026: Iran decides to boycott Draw in USA, Reason Revealed

The Iran football federation has boycotted the FIFA World Cup 2026 final draw set for December 5 at Washington's Kennedy Center, citing U.S. visa denials to key delegation members as politically motivated interference.

Only four officials, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, received entry approval, while federation president Mehdi Taj, a FIFA committee member and Asian Football Confederation vice-president, was rejected.​

Visa Denials Spark Outrage

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) labeled the decisions "unsportsmanlike," with spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi stating they deviated from sporting principles. FFIRI notified FIFA, urging intervention against what it views as non-sporting obstacles. Taj emphasized ongoing consultations with Iran's foreign ministry, insisting no participation unless all visas are granted, amid broader U.S. travel restrictions under President Donald Trump's June 2025 ban on 12 nations including Iran.​

FIFA's Stance and Tournament Context

FIFA has not publicly responded, though Iran clarified the boycott targets only the draw, not the tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Iran's conspicuous absence underscores visa issues affecting others, like Haiti qualifiers. The expanded 48-team event features pots based on rankings, with Iran's Pot 3 seeding intact despite the snub.

Iran's Record in FIFA World Cup

Iran's national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup six times: 1978, 1998, 2006, 2014, 2018, and 2022. Their World Cup debut in 1978 saw them earn one point in a 1-1 draw against Scotland but suffer defeats to the Netherlands and Peru. In 1998, Iran celebrated their first World Cup victory, defeating the United States 2-1. They exited at the group stage in 2006, 2014, and 2018 but earned a record four points in 2018, including a win over Morocco and draws against Portugal.