Amir ghalenoei

FIFA World Cup: Iran's Football Federation will boycott the final draw ceremony for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after the United States refused to grant visas to several key members of its delegation, as the draw is scheduled for December 5 in Washington, D.C.

Making the announcement on Friday, federation spokesman Amir Mehdi Alavi told state-run IRIB TV that the decision was reached after necessary inquiries, internal discussions, and consultations with Iran's Ministry of Sports and Youth and Foreign Ministry. He condemned the U.S. actions as "non-sporting."

Alavi confirmed that FIFA was informed of the boycott and that its officials, including President Gianni Infantino, have been notified of the visa issue. FIFA has since promised to take the matter seriously, he noted, reports Xinhua.