UPDATE: Iran’s soccer team has made the shocking decision to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington scheduled for December 5 due to visa denials affecting its delegation. The announcement comes as officials cite significant obstacles beyond mere sports considerations, emphasizing the ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States.
Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency reported today that spokesperson Amir-Mahdi Alavi expressed frustration over the inability of key officials to secure necessary travel documents. The Iranian soccer federation has reached out to FIFA in hopes of finding a solution, but no immediate response has been provided by the White House.
The Trump administration previously implemented a travel ban affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Iran, which complicates matters for the soccer federation. While exemptions were promised for athletes and their support teams traveling for major sporting events, it remains unclear if these exemptions apply to the upcoming World Cup draw.
The Iranian delegation was expected to be led by Mehdi Taj, a prominent figure in Asian soccer and a member of two key FIFA committees overseeing the World Cup. This development raises alarms about the potential impact on diplomatic relations and sportsmanship as the world anticipates the historic event featuring a record 48 teams from June 11 to July 19.
As the situation unfolds, the international community will be watching closely. The implications of this boycott could resonate beyond the realm of sports, affecting ongoing discussions about US-Iran relations. For now, the soccer world holds its breath as Iran stands firm in its decision, leaving open the question of whether this will affect their participation in the World Cup itself.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
