The Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has refused to send its delegation to the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington D.C. due to the US authorities' refusal to issue visas to several representatives of the football delegation, including President Mehdi Taj.
The FFIRI press service noted that it has informed FIFA of its decision and considers the US visa refusal a step unrelated to sport.
The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It will take place from June 11 to July 19. The Argentina national team is the current holder of the World Cup trophy. In the 2022 World Cup final in Qatar, the team defeated the then-reigning champions, the France national team (3-3 in regulation time, 4-2 on penalties).
