The stage is set for one of the most politically charged and closely watched FIFA World Cup draws in recent memory, as soccer leaders, politicians, and fans from around the globe prepare for the 2026 tournament’s official group selection in Washington, D.C. But the excitement over the world’s biggest sporting event is being tempered by a swirl of controversy, diplomatic tension, and last-minute absences that threaten to overshadow the festivities.
On Friday, December 5, 2025, the Kennedy Center in the U.S. capital will transform into a global soccer arena of sorts, with dignitaries and federation chiefs from dozens of nations converging to witness the unveiling of the World Cup groupings. Yet, one notable absence looms large: the Iranian soccer federation has announced a boycott of the event, protesting the United States’ refusal to grant a visa to its president, Mehdi Taj, and limiting its delegation to just four visas.
This standoff is the latest flashpoint in a saga that has seen sports and politics collide on the global stage. Iran, which secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup back in March after a dramatic victory over Uzbekistan in the AFC final, had been assured by FIFA President Gianni Infantino that “Iranian representatives would not face visa issues for the draw or the tournament.” Those assurances, made in the euphoria of qualification, now ring hollow for the Iranian federation, which finds itself excluded from the draw’s main proceedings.
According to Iranian federation spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi, “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.” The federation’s hardline stance reflects not only frustration over the visa snub but also years of escalating tension between the U.S. and Iran. In June 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order barring nationals from 12 countries, including Iran, from entering the United States. While the order was supposed to include exemptions for athletes and team management for events like the World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics, the application of these exemptions remains murky—especially for non-athlete officials like Mehdi Taj.
The U.S. State Department, for its part, has insisted that “the United States is prepared to welcome visitors from around the globe for the largest and greatest FIFA World Cup in history. A World Cup ticket does not guarantee a U.S. visa. Ticket holders need to apply for a visa or ESTA and need to meet all eligibility requirements under U.S. law. Every application is reviewed individually based on the facts of the case.” But for Iran, this bureaucratic response is cold comfort.
President Taj, speaking to Iranian television, made the federation’s position clear: “The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.” The absence of Iran’s leadership at the draw sends a message that, even as soccer aspires to unite, the game cannot always transcend the realities of geopolitics.
Iran is not alone in facing complications around the draw. The event, already heavy with diplomatic significance, will see the expected attendance of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has become a central figure in the tournament’s preparations and in global soccer politics. Trump, who now chairs the Kennedy Center after a sweeping overhaul of its leadership, is set to host the draw in a show of American pageantry, with his presence underscoring the U.S.’s role as host nation for the 2026 World Cup.
Joining Trump will be Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexico’s top sports officials, representing the tournament’s other co-hosts. Canada’s Carney, attending alongside Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden, will be making his first appearance with Trump since trade tensions flared earlier in the year. Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum has yet to confirm her attendance, citing the need to coordinate with her North American counterparts.
The draw will also be notable for who may not attend. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, a vice-president of FIFA and a vocal critic of Infantino’s recent priorities, is reportedly considering skipping the event. Ceferin’s possible absence follows a series of public disagreements between UEFA and FIFA, including a dramatic walkout at the FIFA Congress in Paraguay and criticism of Infantino’s focus on political relationships over football governance. While UEFA insists its relationship with FIFA remains “very good,” the ongoing tensions reflect deeper rifts within the global soccer hierarchy.
Against this backdrop, FIFA is set to introduce a new annual honor: the FIFA Peace Prize – Football Unites the World. Announced on November 5, 2025, and to be presented for the first time during Friday’s draw, the award aims to “recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations,” according to Infantino. The announcement, however, surprised many within FIFA’s own Council, who were not consulted on the creation or criteria for the prize. Some council members only learned of it through a media release, and FIFA has declined to clarify how the award fits with its statutes.
Speculation swirls over whether President Trump might be the inaugural recipient. Infantino, asked directly about Trump’s chances, replied cryptically: “You will see.” He went on to praise Trump, saying, “I have a great relationship with President Trump, where I consider him a really close friend. He does things. He does what he says. He says what he thinks. He actually says what many people think as well, but maybe don’t dare to say and that’s why he’s so successful.”
While the World Cup draw is the immediate focus, eyes are also on the future of international soccer in the U.S. Discussions between CONCACAF and CONMEBOL are ongoing about bringing the 2028 Copa America to American soil for the third time in 12 years. The 2024 edition, held in the U.S., attracted 1.6 million fans and generated record revenues for CONMEBOL, despite logistical hiccups such as crowd control issues at the final in Miami Gardens. If finalized, the 2028 Copa America would coincide with the Los Angeles Olympics, requiring careful scheduling to avoid overlap and further cementing the U.S. as a global hub for soccer’s marquee events.
As anticipation builds for the World Cup draw, the intersection of sport, politics, and diplomacy is on full display. From boycotts and visa disputes to new awards and shifting alliances, Friday’s event promises to be about much more than just soccer. The world will be watching as the drama unfolds, both on and off the pitch.
