US bans Iranian delegation from attending 2026 World Cup draw

(Dan Tri) - Spokesperson of the Iranian Football Federation (FFI), Amir-Mehdi Alawi, said the US has refused to grant entry visas to the FFI delegation attending the 2026 World Cup draw.

The 2026 World Cup draw is scheduled to take place on December 5 at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC. The prestigious event will determine the group stage matches for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The draw is expected to be attended by many important figures, including US President Donald Trump, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Vice President JD Vance.

The US decision to deny visas has affected FFI President Mehdi Taj, head coach Amir Ghalenoei and seven other officials of the federation. FFI is now trying to persuade FIFA President Gianni Infantino to influence the US to reconsider the decision, with the hope that the ban will be lifted within the next two weeks.

Iran's striker Mehdi Taremi (left) plays in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in Asia (Photo: Getty).

The US visa denial has raised concerns about the entry ban on Iranian citizens issued by US President Donald Trump, which could complicate Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

Sports experts say the team and coaching staff may not face major problems, but some FFI officials, sports reporters and especially Iranian fans may face difficulties. Therefore, FFI expressed the wish that Iran's matches, if possible, would be held in Canada or Mexico instead of the United States.

Iran and the United States have not had diplomatic relations for more than 45 years. However, nearly two million Iranians live in the United States, and families can still visit each other despite political differences and difficult visa procedures.

As of October, 18 teams have officially qualified for the 2026 World Cup. From the CONCACAF region, which includes North and Central America as well as the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico and the United States have automatically qualified as co-hosts.

In Asia, the AFC representatives who have qualified are Japan, Iran, Jordan, South Korea, Uzbekistan and Australia. On the African side, Morocco and Tunisia have qualified.

In the South American region (CONMEBOL), teams including Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, Uruguay and Paraguay will have a place in the world playground. In the Oceania region (OFC), New Zealand has also won a ticket to the 2026 World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup will have a total of 48 participating teams, of which Asia has 8 direct slots and 1 play-in slot; Europe has 16 slots; Africa has 9 direct slots and 1 play-in slot; South America has 6 direct slots and 1 play-in slot; North, Central and South America and the Caribbean have 6 direct slots (including 3 co-host teams USA, Canada, Mexico) and 2 play-in slots; Oceania has 1 direct slot and 1 play-in slot.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/my-cam-phai-doan-iran-tham-du-le-boc-tham-world-cup-2026-20251003120340564.htm