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Iran to Boycott 2026 World Cup Draw in Washington Over Reported U.S. Visa Denials

Federation officials call the visa issue political, leaving the delegation absent from the 5 December ceremony.

Overview

  • The Iranian Football Federation said it has informed FIFA that its delegation will not attend the draw in Washington.
  • The federation cited reports that several delegation members were denied U.S. visas, with local media singling out the federation president.
  • The boycott applies to all federation officials and coaching staff, according to the spokesman’s statement on state television.
  • FIFA has not been reported to alter the draw’s schedule or location, and the event is set for 5 December in Washington, D.C.
  • The 2026 World Cup will run from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Canada and Mexico, featuring 48 teams for the first time.