In 2026 the FIFA World Cup will be held in all three of the North American countries – Canada, United States, and Mexico – the with draw for matchups and locations being held in the United States in Washington D.C.
That decision is already proving to be problematic with some countries experiencing visa issues
As a result, Iran chosen to boycott the World Cup draw scheduled for next week after the U.S. denied visas to members of the Iranian delegation.
Iranian soccer federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi said, “officials faced visa obstacles that go beyond sports considerations.
While there has been no response from the White House over the announcement, previously the White House had promised to ensure all players and personnel involved in the World Cup would be guaranteed visas.
The Iranian federation has also reached out to FIFA to help with a resolution, but has not received an response.
In June, the White House administration announced a travel ban on 12 countries which included Iran and Haiti who has also qualified for the World Cup. But, exemptions were promised for “any athlete or member of an athletic team, including coaches, persons performing a necessary support role, and immediate relatives, traveling for the World Cup, Olympics, or other major sporting event as determined by the secretary of state.”
However, those exemptions were not promised for the World Cup draw which is set to take place at the Kennedy Center on December 5.
The 2026 World Cup is scheduled for June 11 to July 19 with a record 48 teams participating.