Iran Boycotts FIFA World Cup Draw Over Visa Issues with U.S.

Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup draw is in jeopardy as officials from the Iranian Football Federation have announced their boycott. The decision stems from the U.S. government’s refusal to grant visas to several members of the Iranian delegation. This boycott threatens to impact Iran’s preparations for the tournament, which is set to take place in 2026.

The spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation stated, “We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports, and the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw.” This statement was relayed through state television and reported by Qatar-based news outlet Al Jazeera. The federation is now appealing to FIFA President Gianni Infantino for assistance, particularly in light of his recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding visa processes for World Cup attendees.

FIFA, the governing body of international football, has not yet responded to inquiries about the situation. Infantino met with Trump earlier this month to address the need for a more efficient visa interview process for foreign spectators, which they dubbed the “FIFA Pass.” Current U.S. immigration policies remain stringent, particularly concerning citizens from certain countries, including Iran.

The U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that purchasing match tickets does not guarantee a tourist visa. This policy was underscored recently when the Trump administration announced that fans from Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, would not receive special exemptions to attend the tournament.

Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup after a victory over Pakistan in March 2023, marking its fourth consecutive appearance in the tournament. In its last outing during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, Iran faced the U.S. in a closely contested match, ultimately losing 1-0. The diplomatic relationship between Iran and the U.S. has been strained for more than 45 years, adding complexity to this sports-related issue.

As the World Cup draw approaches, the impact of visa restrictions on national delegations continues to raise concerns about international participation and cooperation in global sporting events. The situation remains fluid, with Iranian officials pressing for a resolution that would allow their delegation to attend the draw and participate in the World Cup preparations.