In a bold and unprecedented move, Iran has announced it will boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in Washington, D.C., on December 5, after the United States denied visas to key Iranian football officials, including the president of the Iranian Football Federation.
The decision comes as a strong protest against what Tehran calls unfair and politicized treatment in the world of sports.
A spokesman for the Iranian Football Federation, Amir Mahdi Alavi, confirmed that the Iranian delegation will not attend the draw.
While the U.S. granted visas to only four officials, including Iran’s head coach, Federation President Mehdi Taj was denied entry, a move that sparked outrage within Iran’s football community.
Alavi criticized the U.S. action as a clear violation of sportsmanship and FIFA principles, emphasizing that politics should never interfere with global sporting events.
Reports indicate that the Iranian Football Federation has formally informed FIFA about its decision to boycott the draw.
Iran qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in March, and the boycott underscores the nation’s determination to stand firm against discriminatory practices.
The move has already ignited debate among football fans and analysts, many of whom argue that the integrity of international football must be preserved regardless of political tensions.
The situation sets the stage for a potential standoff between Iran and FIFA, raising questions about how the governing body will handle participation rules for countries facing political or diplomatic hurdles.