DZWatch Exclusive: The Iranian Football Federation has announced it will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw, scheduled to take place in the United States next week. The decision stems from a dispute over the number of visas granted to the Iranian delegation planning to attend the event.
According to a statement released today, the federation is protesting what it considers an insufficient allocation of visas for its representatives. This restriction, they argue, hinders Iran’s ability to fully participate in the crucial event leading up to the World Cup.
“The Iranian delegation will not attend the World Cup draw,” stated a spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation. “This decision is based on the recent situation regarding the issuance of visas for the delegation to attend the draw ceremony.”
The boycott highlights the ongoing tensions between Iranian and American entities involved in organizing the prestigious tournament. The disagreement has ignited concerns about the participation of teams involved in the qualifying rounds and their presence at official World Cup 2026 events.
The move casts a shadow over Iran’s preparations for the World Cup and raises questions about the potential impact on the overall event. DZWatch will continue to monitor this developing story and provide updates as they become available.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, is set to be the largest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. The draw is a significant event that determines the group stage matchups and sets the stage for the tournament.
