Iranian Football Federation to Boycott 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw Over U.S. Visa Denials

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) announced on November 28, 2025, that it will boycott the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., scheduled for December 5. This decision follows the United States' refusal to grant visas to several key members of the Iranian delegation, including FFIRI President Mehdi Taj.

FFIRI spokesman Amir Mehdi Alavi stated that the U.S. had granted visas to four members of the Iranian delegation, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, but denied visas to others, notably President Taj. Alavi described the U.S. actions as "unsportsmanlike" and indicated that the federation has communicated its concerns to FIFA, urging the organization to address the issue.

The U.S. has long-standing strict visa restrictions on Iranian nationals due to political and security considerations. These restrictions have occasionally impacted international events, including sports. In this instance, the partial approval of visas for the Iranian delegation has been perceived by the FFIRI as a politically motivated action unrelated to sports.

Iran secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup in March after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan, marking its fourth consecutive and seventh overall appearance in the tournament. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, featuring an expanded format with 48 teams.

This incident is not the first time that political tensions have affected sporting events between the U.S. and Iran. Notably, during the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, Iran achieved a historic 2-1 victory over the U.S., a match laden with political significance. The current visa denial and subsequent boycott highlight the ongoing challenges faced by international sporting bodies in navigating the intersection of sports and politics.

The FFIRI's decision to boycott the World Cup draw could have several ramifications, including further straining U.S.-Iran relations and placing increased pressure on FIFA to address political interference in sports. This situation also raises questions about the role of host nations in ensuring equitable participation and the potential implications for future international tournaments.

As the 2026 World Cup approaches, the international community will be closely watching how FIFA and the involved nations address these challenges to uphold the principles of fair play and inclusivity in global sports.