**Iran Boycotts 2026 World Cup Draw Over Visa Issues**
Iran has announced its decision to boycott the draw for the 2026 World Cup, which is set to take place next week in Washington, D.C. The state-run IRNA news agency reported that the Iranian delegation was unable to secure visas for its members due to restrictions imposed by the United States. Amir-Mahdi Alavi, a spokesman for the Iranian soccer federation, stated that the visa challenges extend beyond mere sports considerations. The federation has reached out to FIFA in hopes of resolving the situation.
The travel restrictions stem from a travel ban announced by the Trump administration in June, affecting citizens from 12 countries, including Iran. While exemptions were promised for athletes and their support teams traveling for major sporting events, it remains unclear if these exemptions apply to the World Cup draw scheduled for next Friday at the Kennedy Center.
The Iranian delegation was expected to be led by Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian soccer federation and a prominent figure in Asian soccer, who holds positions on two FIFA committees overseeing World Cup operations.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, will feature a record 48 teams and is set to take place from June 11 to July 19. Six teams will qualify in March, with matches planned at various venues, including MetLife Stadium in New Jersey and Estadio Azteca in Mexico City.
In related news, former President Trump has expressed concerns about the safety of hosting games in the Boston area, suggesting he might advocate for relocating them if local conditions do not improve.
**FAQ**
*Why is Iran boycotting the World Cup draw?*
Iran is boycotting the World Cup draw due to the U.S. government’s denial of visas to its delegation members, citing obstacles that extend beyond sports.
