The road to the 2026 World Cup is already hitting a political curve. Iran announced it will not attend the group stage draw in Washington, D.C., on December 5 after the U.S. government denied visas to several members of its delegation.
“We have informed FIFA that these decisions have nothing to do with sport, and Iranian officials will not participate in the World Cup draw,” a federation spokesperson told state television. The U.S. refused to grant visas to several members of the delegation, the federation said.
A political move, not a sporting one
According to Iranian media, U.S. authorities blocked visas for several federation members, including president Mehdi Taj. “We told FIFA president Gianni Infantino that this is a purely political stance and that FIFA should ask the U.S. to stop this behavior,” Taj said. While some delegates did receive permission to enter the U.S., Iran ultimately decided the delegation would not attend.
Could Haiti face the same problem?
Tensions between the White House and Tehran have deep roots. In June, President Donald Trump implemented a visa ban covering 12 countries: Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Yemen.
This means Haiti could face similar obstacles. The Caribbean nation qualified for the World Cup on merit through the CONCACAF region. The tournament will take place across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 18, 2026. What should be a celebration of soccer is already shaping up to be a politically charged start to the global event.
Nunabnstu
0
All terr orist country should be ban Iran Iraq Qatar etc
who is Terrorist's 👇
Wiyikmtz
0
USA should be burned by the fifa
Does fifa have enough petroleum product to use is the burning of the USA 🇺🇸?
Din316
1
All terr orist country should be ban Iran Iraq Qatar etc
yes I agree, the U.S should be banned and stripped of holding the world cup
Vaecimprst
0
All terr orist country should be ban Iran Iraq Qatar etc
You are a big fool
Vaecimprst
0
Better ban Iran from WC
Drunkard
rataclmpry
2
USA should be burned by the fifa
tehabeilmu
1
it's very good
Desciklnot
4
All terr orist country should be ban Iran Iraq Qatar etc
Desciklnot
0
I think FIFA has to look into a countries that has political issue with other countries from hosting a big tournament like this to prevent this kind chaos. how could a country go through preliminary,qualifying and some time play off with all their resources to qualify,then come a hosting country to denied them visa to enter their country.
Cause their visas are illegal so it's obvious
Abdul0fficer
1
I think FIFA has to look into a countries that has political issue with other countries from hosting a big tournament like this to prevent this kind chaos. how could a country go through preliminary,qualifying and some time play off with all their resources to qualify,then come a hosting country to denied them visa to enter their country.
Desciklnot
1
Better ban Iran from WC
Dejavu11
0
🥳🙂↕️🥳FIFA & POLITICS NA 5&600000000000010
Rmulbah1992
1
Now the U.S wants to control who’s attending and who can’t
PURE NONSENSE BRO.
Rmulbah1992
3
FIFA NEEDS TO STANDS STRONGER IN THE FACE OF POLITICS AND DEFEND SPORTS FROM POLITICS NO MATTER THE POWERS THAT INVOLVE.
Jowbclmsuy
0
Trump destroys everything on the long run.
jasbeknpuz
4
Now the U.S wants to control who’s attending and who can’t
sacbcdirs
3
No politics in sports period
Mutbdinprs
1
good
Cohabdensy
0
F u