World Cup 2026

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.