Iran says it will boycott draw; head coach to attend amid U.S. visa denials
Iran says it will boycott the 2026 World Cup draw ceremony in Washington after some delegation members were denied U.S. visas by the Trump administration. Nevertheless, Iran’s federation says head coach Amir Ghalenoei and one or two staff will attend to ensure the team’s seat isn’t left vacant — a move the federation calls a technical attendance and not a retraction of the protest, consistent with U.S. travel exceptions for athletes, coaches and necessary support personnel.
📌 Key Facts
- Iran says it will boycott the World Cup draw.
- Despite the stated boycott, Iran’s federation says head coach Amir Ghalenoei will attend the draw with one or two staff members to ensure Iran’s seat is not left vacant.
- Federation spokesman Amir‑Mahdi Alavi reiterated that the attendance is technical and does not retract Iran’s protest.
- U.S. travel policy for the event includes exceptions for World Cup athletes, coaches and 'necessary support' personnel.
- The U.S. policy also extends exceptions to immediate relatives of those covered but does not provide exceptions for fans from banned countries.
- These details were reported by PBS News on Dec. 4, 2025.
📊 Relevant Data
Somalia is described as a terrorist safe haven led by a dysfunctional government that lacks command and control of its territory, which is a reason for its inclusion in the US travel ban.
A Guide to the Countries on Trump's 2025 Travel Ban List — Council on Foreign Relations
In fiscal year 2024, Haiti had a B1/B2 visa overstay rate of 31.38 percent and an F, M, and J visa overstay rate of 25.05 percent, factors contributing to its inclusion in the US travel ban.
An Afghan national, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who was admitted to the US, committed a terrorist attack by shooting two National Guard members in Washington D.C. in 2025.
Terrorist Who Shot Two National Guard Members in D.C. Was Let Into Country by Biden — Department of Homeland Security
Immigrants in the United States commit crimes at lower rates than the US-born population.
Explainer: Immigrants and Crime in the United States — Migration Policy Institute
📊 Analysis & Commentary (1)
"The Politico Playbook piece argues the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington has been turned into a MAGA‑style political spectacle centered on President Trump—driven by FIFA‑Trump closeness and programming choices—which risks diplomatic friction (e.g., the Iranian boycott) and politicizes a normally unifying sporting occasion."
📰 Sources (2)
- U.S. travel policy for the event includes exceptions for World Cup athletes, coaches, 'necessary support' personnel and their immediate relatives, but not for fans from banned countries.
- Iran’s federation says head coach Amir Ghalenoei will attend the draw with one or two staff members to ensure Iran’s seat is not left vacant, despite a stated boycott.
- Iranian federation spokesman Amir-Mahdi Alavi reiterated the attendance is technical and does not retract the protest.