Iran Boycotts World Cup Draw Over U.S. Visa Dispute

Iran has announced it will boycott next year’s World Cup draw after the United States granted only four visas to its delegation, excluding the head of its football federation, Mehdi Taj.

U.S. visa limits for Iranian citizens are well-known, but Iran had expected broader access for the high-profile event in Washington.

Calling the decision “unsportsmanlike” and a deviation from the usual sports process, Iranian officials said they would not attend and have informed FIFA, which promised to follow up.

Iran already qualified for the 2026 World Cup after securing a 2–2 draw against Uzbekistan in March, marking its seventh appearance at the tournament and its fourth consecutive qualification.