Iran has decided to boycott the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington next week because the U.S. denied visas to members of its delegation, the state-run IRNA news agency reported on Friday.
The agency quoted Iranian soccer federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi as saying that officials faced visa obstacles that go beyond sports considerations.
There was no immediate comment from the White House.
- FIFA alters WC draw format so top sides won't meet early
- WC ticket sales for exact matchups to start Dec. 11
Alavi said the federation had reached out to FIFA and hoped it could help resolve the issue.