A spokesperson for FFIRI stated that the visa refusal was "unrelated to sports ." They also emphasized that this decision directly impacts the preparations of the Iranian national team.
The Iranian national team will not be participating in the 2026 World Cup draw (Photo: Getty).
Iran is among the 19 countries whose citizens are restricted from entering the US under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump in June. While the regulations do offer exceptions for athletes, coaches, or those "playing essential support roles" participating in the 2026 World Cup or other major sporting events, that exception does not apply in this case.
Speaking to the Tehran Times, FFIRI spokesperson Amir Mehdi Alavi stated: “We have informed FIFA that the decisions made are completely unsportsmanlike and the Iranian delegation will not participate in the 2026 World Cup draw.”
According to the Tehran Times, FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was one of three people denied visas by the US State Department. Meanwhile, four other members, including coach Amir Ghalenoei, were approved. Earlier in October, Iranian media reported that both Taj and Ghalenoei had been denied visas, forcing FFIRI to work directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to resolve the issue.
FIFA President Infantino had previously stated that "everyone will be welcome" at the World Cup, which kicks off on June 11 in Mexico City. Speaking on the sidelines of a meeting of the European Club Association (ECA) on October 9, he said FIFA is working closely with the US authorities to resolve visa-related issues.
He stated: “We have discussed this with the White House and relevant departments. There will be no visa obstacles for teams and officials attending the 2026 World Cup. FIFA is also looking for solutions for fans.”
FIFA hopes the US will ban visas for Iranian fans supporting their team at the 2026 World Cup (Photo: Getty).
Subsequently, FIFA introduced the FIFA Pass program, which allowed World Cup ticket holders to receive priority in the visa application process. However, FIFA also emphasized that this priority did not guarantee visa approval.
According to Politico magazine, fans from Haiti, a country that recently qualified for the World Cup but is also on the list of restricted entry points, are allowed to apply but still risk being "ineligible for a visa or entry into the United States."
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-thao/iran-tuyen-bo-tay-chay-le-boc-tham-world-cup-2026-20251129122234385.htm
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