FIFA Stunned as Nation Boycotts World Cup Draw for 2026 Tournament

A nation has decided to boycott next month's World Cup group draw after the United States refused to issue visas to 'several' members of its delegation, according to reports.

The draw for the 2026 World Cup will take place in Washington on December 5 from 17:00 UK time.

In total, 48 teams will be placed into four pots from which they will be drawn into 12 groups of four teams.

Among those taking part in the draw will be Amir Ghalenoei's Iran, who qualified for their fourth successive World Cup in March amid the uncertainty around Donald Trump's travel ban.

Back in June, a ban barred the nationals of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo-Brazzaville, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen from entering the US.

A proclamation from Trump's administration claimed that the country is 'the source of significant terrorism around the world', does not co-operate on security risks and 'has historically failed to accept back its removable nationals'.

Those claims have all been denied by the Iranian regime.

Back in October, FIFA vice president Victor Montagliani said he was not concerned about Iran's ability to play matches in the US next summer despite the travel ban.

"We already have assurances from all three governments that teams that qualify will be allowed to come in and participate," he said.

However, it was reported at the time that nine Iranian officials were barred from the upcoming World Cup draw in Washington, including president Mehdi Taj and head coach Amir Ghalenoei.

On Friday (November 28), a report from Dutch outlet NOS claimed Iran has now decided to boycott the 2026 World Cup group draw after the US refused to issue visas to 'several members' of its delegation.

"We have informed FIFA that the decisions taken have nothing to do with sport and that members of the Iranian delegation will not participate in the draw for the World Cup," the association spokesman told state television.

It is said the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, as well as the executive director of the national team, Mehdi Kharati, are among the officials who were denied visas.

There are concerns that Iranian supporters will face difficulties in entering the United States for the tournament itself. Haiti also joins Iran as the second country covered under the travel ban to qualify for a place in the tournament