By Martin Graham
Iran’s national federation has indicated it may refuse to take part in Friday’s 2026 World Cup draw in the United States due to a shortage of visas allotted to its officials.
The Tehran Times reported that American authorities approved only four permits, none of which were granted to federation president Mehdi Taj.
Taj said he contacted FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to address the matter, stressing that a final decision depends on how quickly the situation evolves. He explained on Iranian television that the federation is coordinating with the foreign ministry and other state bodies before choosing a course of action.
Tehran insists on full delegation approval
According to Taj, the executive committee’s stance is firm: the federation will not send anyone to the ceremony unless every required visa is issued.
He emphasized that the current circumstances leave the federation with limited options, and that they will act only when the timing is appropriate.
The draw is set to be held in Washington DC on Friday, 5 December, at 17:00 GMT (12:00 local time). Iran has already secured its place at the tournament for the seventh time overall and for the fourth consecutive edition.
Political tensions undercut preparations
The United States, which is staging the 2026 competition alongside Canada and Mexico, enforces long-standing and strict entry rules for Iranian nationals for political and security reasons.
Earlier in the year, US President Donald Trump approved an executive order blocking travelers from 12 nations, including Iran. The order is intended to exclude athletes and coaching staff attending major global events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.
Taj argued that the visa dispute has taken on a political dimension. He said he notified Infantino that the situation reflects a political posture from the US side and urged FIFA to respond accordingly.
