Iran boycotts FIFA World Cup draw in Washington over visa spat with Trump

Iranian Football Federation officials will not attend next Friday’s World Cup draw in Washington, D.C. after accusing the U.S. of refusing to grant visas to several members of its delegation.

“We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sports, and the members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the World Cup draw,” the federation’s spokesperson told state television, according to a report by Qatar-based Al Jazeera.

Iranian officials are now seeking help from FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who has cozied up to U.S. President Donald Trump in a bid to ensure the 2026 Men’s World Cup in North America goes smoothly.

FIFA, the world football governing body, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Infantino met with Trump this month to discuss a faster visa interview process for foreign World Cup spectators, calling it the “FIFA Pass,” as the U.S. maintains a tough posture on gaining entry to the country for many foreigners.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently emphasized that match tickets were not automatically a grant for a tourist visa. Last week, the Trump administration announced that fans from Haiti, which qualified for the World Cup for the first time since 1974, will not be granted any special exceptions to follow their team.

Iran qualified for the 2026 World Cup after a win over Pakistan in March. It is the country’s fourth consecutive World Cup. In its last appearance in Qatar in 2022, Iran lost 1-0 to the U.S. in a tight game. 

Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic ties for more than 45 years.