Iran’s football federation announced its withdrawal from the upcoming 2026 World Cup draw in Washington, citing U.S. visa denials for its delegation members.
The Iranian Football Federation (IFF) informed FIFA that the U.S. government’s decision “has no relation to sport,” which led to the non-participation.
The draw is scheduled for December 5 in the U.S. capital.
The IFF’s announcement was disseminated via Tehran’s official television.
Iranian newspapers recently reported that the United States had denied an entry visa to the IFF president.