Football Association Iran It announced that it would not send its representatives to a lottery World Cup 2026Which will be held on December 5 in Washington, in protest against the United States government’s refusal to grant entry visas to a number of members of his delegation. This incident adds a new chapter to the long-standing diplomatic tension between the two countries and poses a challenge to them FIFAwhich has not yet issued an official ruling in this case.
Controversy erupted on Friday when the Iranian Football Federation confirmed this I’ll boycott the lottery Which will determine the composition of the groups for the next World Cup, considering that the American refusal to grant visas was a measure.”Unathletic“According to Amir Mahdi AlawiThe organization’s spokesman said that the decision comes in response to “the latest situation related to the issuance of visas,” which prevented the inclusion of the president of the federation. Mehdi Tajare among those allowed to enter the host country.
“We have informed FIFA that the (US) decision has nothing to do with sports and that members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw.“, the Federation’s official spokesman announced on state television.
According to the newspaper Tehran TimesThe United States issued visas to four members of the Iranian delegation – the coach Amir Ghalinoidirect executive Mahdi Al-KharatiDirector of International Relations Omid JamaliAnd above – but Reject those of at least three other people.
Although four members of the delegation, including artistic director Amir Ghalenoui, obtained permits, the exclusion of the main authorities led to the group’s complete absence. Alawi explained, according to what was reported by local media, that the Union held talks with FIFA to find a solution, to no avail.
From Tehran, they confirm that the restrictions imposed by Washington are part of a political position that goes beyond the sports framework. “FIFA President Mr. (Gianni) Infantino told us that this is a purely political position and that the body must ask the United States to stop this behavior.Mehdi Taj stated to the specialized media Varzesh 3.
The 2026 World Cup draw will be held in the American capital, one of the organizing countries, along with Canada and Mexico. Iran’s absence revives historical tensions between the two countries, which have maintained a conflicting relationship for more than four decades, marked by sanctions, nuclear disputes and recent military clashes in the region.
In this context, the Iranian demand aims for FIFA to play the role of mediator and to ensure that sporting events of this size are not subject to unilateral political decisions. However, to date, FIFA has not issued a public statement in this regard or confirmed whether it will seek to reverse the situation ahead of the event next Friday, December 5.
This is not the first time that the World Cup has faced additional sporting tensions between Iran and the United States. In France 1998, the Iranian team achieved a historic victory over the Americans 2-1, in a match full of symbolism. Two decades later, in Qatar 2022, the Americans won 1-0 and sealed the Asian team’s exit.
Despite this background, the Iranian national team has strengthened its presence in recent editions of the tournament. In March, they secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup with a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan in Tehran. This will be his fourth participation in a row and seventh overall. The team is led by Amir GhalinoiWhich will include Pot 2 in the draw, and aspires to go beyond the group stage for the first time.
Among the characters in the team, the striker stands out Mehdi TaremiThe Olympiacos striker, who will participate in the World Cup for the third time. Moreover, the promise of youth Muhammad Al-AskariAt just 19 years old, he could make his debut at the highest international level after an impressive year in the domestic league. The team base combines players from the local league with others playing in Europe and Asia.
Tactically, Iran is betting on a solid defensive structure, based on order and tactical discipline, with quick transitions that seek to take advantage of the individual flaws of its attackers. In its recent preparatory matches, the Asian team alternated good performances, such as winning over Tanzania and drawing against Cape Verde and Uzbekistan, with losses to Russia and the Uzbek national team itself in the final of the tournament. AFC Cup (Central Asian Football Confederation).
Absence from the draw does not change their qualifying status, but it exposes FIFA to an uncomfortable scenario on the eve of a tournament in which, for the first time, 48 teams will participate. Furthermore, if immigration restrictions persist, a question will arise regarding the final participation of all members of the Iranian team during the official competition scheduled for June 2026.
Currently, the Iranian Federation remains firm in its decision. Alawi stressed that “the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports.” The ball is now in FIFA’s court You must determine whether you can guarantee equal conditions for all those selectedoutside the political scene surrounding this version of the competition.