Iran says it will boycott the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in the United States, protesting visa restrictions that could prevent its officials from attending the ceremony. The draw is scheduled to take place in the US, one of the three co-hosts of the 2026 tournament alongside Canada and Mexico.
Iranian football authorities argue that current US entry rules and political tensions could stop members of their delegation from securing visas. They insist that all qualified teams should be guaranteed equal access to attend official FIFA events, including the final draw.
Officials in Tehran say they have raised their concerns with FIFA, warning that hosting a major football event in a country with strict visa limits undermines the principle of fairness. They contend that sports events should remain neutral spaces, free from political pressure or discrimination.
The boycott threat adds a fresh diplomatic layer to the build-up for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held across multiple US cities. Analysts note that the dispute reflects wider strains between Iran and the US that extend beyond football and into broader geopolitical issues
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