Iran to skip 2026 World Cup draw amid visa dispute

Rajarshi has been part of Khel Now since 2022, and he covers world football.

Published at :November 30, 2025 at 9:39 PM

Modified at :November 30, 2025 at 9:39 PM

(Courtesy : Getty Images)

Only a few members of the Iranian delegation have been allowed into the USA.

Iran claim that due to a shortage of visas for their delegation, they intend to boycott Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in the United States.

Mehdi Taj, the president of the nation’s football association, is not among the four visas that the US has granted to Iran’s delegation, according to the Tehran Times.

Iranian president releases a statement after USA visa denial

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: U.S. President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump join FIFA President Gianni Infantino and other guests while watching the final match of the FIFA Club World Cup at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. This is the first time in the history of the FIFA CWC that the United States has hosted the competition, one year before the U.S., Mexico and Canada are scheduled to host the World Cup in 2026. (Photo by Carl Recine – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Taj claimed to have discussed the matter with Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA. The draw is set for Friday, December 5, at 17:00 GMT in Washington, DC.

“We are evaluating our options, which will depend on timing and circumstances,” Taj said in an interview with Iranian television on Thursday.

“We remain in close communication with the Iranian foreign ministry and other authorities, and we will take the necessary decision at the appropriate time.”

“The current position of the Iran Football Federation executive committee is that no one will attend the event unless all visas are issued.”

They have advanced to their fourth consecutive World Cup final and their seventh overall.

For geopolitical and security concerns, Iranians have long been subject to stringent visa restrictions in the US, which is co-hosting the 2026 competition with Canada and Mexico.

In an attempt to control security risks, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order in June prohibiting citizens of twelve nations from entering the country.

Although the administration’s order is intended to exempt athletes and coaching staff travelling for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, they are one of the nations impacted by the ban.

“It appears to us that the matter has become politicised,” said Taj. “We informed the Fifa president, Mr. Infantino, that they have taken a political stance and the situation is completely politicised.”

“We believe that FIFA should take a stand against such behaviour.”

Why is Iran boycotting the 2026 World Cup draw?

Due to a shortage of visas for their delegation to travel to the USA.

Have they qualified for the World Cup?

Yes.

How many times have they qualified for the World Cup

They have advanced to their fourth consecutive World Cup final and their seventh overall.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.

Rajarshi Shukla

After earning a bachelor's degree in mass media, Rajarshi began his career as a sports writer in 2019, driven by his passion for sports journalism. He has been working in the field for over six years. A devoted fan of Lionel Messi and Barcelona, Rajarshi has been involved in sports since childhood. Before turning his focus to journalism, he even represented his college at the state level. Along with covering football, he enjoys playing the game, watching movies, and experimenting with new recipes in his spare time, as cooking is one of his favorite hobbies.