A delegation from Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup draw in the United States on Friday, following earlier threats to boycott the event over visa issues.
Iran had applied for nine visas, but only four were approved, leaving Iran Football Federation (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj among those denied entry. Taj had previously stated that no one from Iran would attend the draw “unless all visas are issued,” after discussions with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Despite the visa issues, Iran coach Amir Ghalenoi and Omid Jamali, head of international relations at the FFIRI, have already traveled to the US, and additional delegates may still join them.
The draw is scheduled to take place in Washington DC on Friday at 17:00 GMT.
Iran has secured its seventh World Cup appearance and fourth consecutive qualification. The US, co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, maintains strict visa policies for Iranians due to longstanding political and security concerns.
An executive order signed by former US President Donald Trump in June banned nationals from 12 countries, including Iran, though exemptions exist for athletes and coaching staff participating in major international sporting events such as the World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
