The stage was set for a landmark moment in world football as the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw approached, scheduled for December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. But the build-up has taken a dramatic turn: Iran’s national football federation has announced a boycott of the draw, citing visa denials for key members of its delegation. The move, reported by the state-run IRNA news agency and echoed across international outlets, has ignited a fresh debate about the intersection of sports and politics—one that could have lasting repercussions on the tournament and the global football community.
Iran’s decision, confirmed on November 28, 2025, comes after what federation spokesperson Amir-Mahdi Alavi described as “unsportsmanlike” decisions and obstacles that “go beyond sports considerations.” According to Alavi, the U.S. government’s refusal to grant visas to several Iranian officials—including the federation’s president, Mehdi Taj—left the delegation with little choice but to stay away from the highly anticipated event. “Considering that the decisions taken are unsportsmanlike and the path has deviated from the sporting process, it was decided that the Iranian delegation will not be present at the draw ceremony,” Alavi told Iranian outlet Tarafdari.
The controversy stems from a broader U.S. travel ban, announced in June 2025 by President Donald Trump’s administration, targeting citizens from 12 countries—among them Iran and Haiti. The policy, which has been a source of friction for years, promised exemptions for athletes, coaches, and essential support staff traveling for major sporting events like the World Cup or the Olympics. Yet, in this instance, the exemption appears not to have been applied, raising questions about the consistency and intent behind the regulations. “We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken are unrelated to sport and that the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw,” Alavi stated, as quoted by the Tehran Times.
Iran’s absence is particularly noteworthy given the stature of its delegation. Mehdi Taj, the federation’s president, is a vice president of the Asian Football Confederation and a member of two influential FIFA committees overseeing the World Cup and men’s international football. He was expected to lead the Iranian party in Washington, lending both diplomatic and sporting weight to the proceedings. Yet, Taj was among three individuals denied visas, while four others—including head coach Amir Ghalenoei—were reportedly granted entry. The uneven application of the rules, and the denial of access to the federation’s top brass, only fueled Iranian frustration.
For Iran, the stakes are high. The national team secured its spot at the expanded 48-team World Cup back in March 2025, earning a place in Pot 2 for the group stage draw. That position could have set up a high-profile clash with the United States, rekindling a storied rivalry on the global stage. But now, as the draw looms, Iran’s absence is sure to cast a long shadow over the proceedings—and perhaps even threaten the nation’s participation in the tournament itself. “This raises the prospect of Iran withdrawing from the tournament altogether,” one report observed, highlighting the gravity of the situation.
The Iranian federation has not remained silent. Over the past two days, officials have been in direct contact with FIFA, appealing to both president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura for intervention. Alavi emphasized that the matter had been “brought to the attention of the FIFA president and secretary General,” and that FIFA had promised to take the issue seriously. “FIFA has announced that it will follow up on the issue seriously. It was our duty to inform FIFA and Gianni Infantino about this issue,” Alavi added.
Infantino himself finds his leadership under scrutiny. The FIFA president has long sought to position the World Cup as a unifying force, famously pledging that “everyone will be welcome” at the 2026 tournament, which kicks off in Mexico City on June 11. “We have excellent discussions with the US government. There is a White House task force chaired by President Trump, and all these topics are discussed there,” Infantino said on October 9, 2025, during a European Football Clubs assembly. “With all the relevant secretaries of state, there will be no issues with regard to visas, obviously for the participating teams and delegations, and we are working on something as well for fans. Hopefully, some good news will come out very soon.”
Despite these assurances, the reality has proved more complicated. The creation of the FIFA Pass, a scheme designed to give World Cup ticket holders priority in the visa application process, was intended as a safeguard. Yet, as recent events have shown, even this system offers no guarantees. As Politico reported, fans from Haiti—another nation on the restricted list—may still be “ineligible for visa issuance or admission to the United States,” despite their right to apply. The uncertainty has left both teams and supporters in limbo, with the Iranian case now serving as a high-profile test of the system’s effectiveness.
Within Iran, the response has been one of indignation and resolve. Mehdi Taj, the federation president, has publicly called on FIFA to exert pressure on the U.S. authorities. “We have told the head of FIFA, Mr. Infantino, that it is purely a political position and that FIFA must tell them [the U.S.] to desist from this behaviour,” Taj told Al Jazeera. The federation’s frustration is compounded by the fact that even key officials responsible for organizing workshops and essential logistics—such as the security and executive directors—were denied entry, despite their critical roles in preparing for the tournament.
The broader football world is watching closely. The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, promises to be the largest in history, with a record 48 teams set to compete from June 11 to July 19. For many, it represents a celebration of the global game—a chance to bring together nations and cultures in the spirit of friendly competition. Yet, the Iranian boycott has exposed the persistent challenges that arise when international politics collide with the ideals of sport.
As the draw date approaches, the situation remains fluid. FIFA has yet to issue a definitive response, and the White House has not commented publicly on the controversy. Meanwhile, Iranian officials continue to press their case, hoping for a last-minute resolution that might allow their delegation to participate. Whether that happens or not, the episode serves as a stark reminder: in the world of international football, the beautiful game is never played in a vacuum.
With the World Cup draw now just days away, all eyes are on Washington—and on FIFA’s next move. Will the governing body find a way to bridge the diplomatic divide, or will Iran’s absence mark the start of a new chapter of discord in global football? For now, the answer remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the road to 2026 has already delivered its first major controversy.
