Iran Boycotts World Cup Draw Amid US Travel Ban Dispute

The Iranian football federation is set to boycott the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Washington, D.C., next week, stemming from an ongoing diplomatic row and a travel ban issued by US President Donald Trump.

Iran, who secured their fourth consecutive World Cup qualification in March, is one of 19 nations whose citizens face entry restrictions into the United States under a presidential directive announced in June 2025. This travel ban directly impacts participation in the World Cup, which is co-hosted by the US. Haiti, another qualified nation after their November victory against Nicaragua, finds itself in the same predicament.

While FIFA and the US government had initially discussed granting a specific exemption for official tournament delegations—covering athletes, coaches, support staff, and immediate relatives—this arrangement appears to have broken down. In October, the United States formally denied the Iranian delegation entry visas for the World Cup draw, scheduled for December 5th.

This unprecedented situation highlights the complex geopolitical challenges facing the expanded 48-team tournament, which is intended to be a global celebration of football. Iran's decision to boycott the draw is a significant protest against the restrictions and underscores the difficulties surrounding international travel and diplomatic relations ahead of the World Cup.

The core issue remains whether Iran's players and officials will be granted entry for the tournament itself next summer. Should the travel restrictions remain in place, it could set a contentious precedent, potentially impacting other qualified nations and creating a major headache for FIFA as they seek to ensure the full participation of all 48 teams in the historic tournament.