Iran Delegation Attends FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw in US Despite Visa Dispute & Boycott Threat

Iranian Delegation Arrives in US for FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw Amidst Visa Controversy

In a significant development for international football, an Iranian delegation, including head coach Ardeshir Amir Ghalenoei, has arrived in Washington, D.C., to participate in the highly anticipated FIFA World Cup 2026 draw. This presence comes despite earlier threats of a boycott stemming from a contentious visa dispute with the United States.

Boycott Threats and Diplomatic Hurdles

The Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) confirmed their attendance on Friday, as preparations intensify for the expanded 48-team tournament, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. The delegation's arrival signals a resolution, at least partial, to a diplomatic hurdle that threatened Iran's participation in the crucial draw.

Initially, Iran had applied for nine visas for its representatives. However, only four were granted by the US, notably excluding FFIRI President Mehdi Taj. Taj had previously voiced strong criticism, labeling the US decision as politically motivated and informing FIFA that the delegation would not attend. He urged FIFA President Gianni Infantino to intervene, asserting that the visa denials were “purely a political position” unrelated to sports.

FIFA's Welcome and World Cup Preparations

FIFA, the global governing body for football, acknowledged and welcomed the Iranian delegation's arrival in the US capital. In a statement, FIFA expressed its commitment to working with both the FFIRI and the host nation authorities to ensure smooth preparations for Iran's involvement in the World Cup 2026 next summer.

Iran successfully secured its spot in the tournament earlier this year through the Asian qualifiers. Coach Ghalenoei will now discover his team's group-stage opponents later on Friday at the iconic John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

Underlying US-Iran Tensions

The incident underscores the long-standing complex relationship between the US and Iran, which has been strained for over four decades. While recent high-level nuclear talks between Tehran and Washington had shown a flicker of engagement, they ultimately collapsed in mid-June following an Israeli bombing campaign against Iran, escalating into a brief 12-day conflict that saw limited US involvement.