Summary
Members of Iran's football delegation, including their head coach, arrived in Washington, D.C., for the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw, despite earlier threats to boycott over visa issues. While nine visas were requested, only four were granted, including one for the head coach. Iran has had long-standing visa challenges with the U.S. due to political and security reasons.
Key Facts
- Iran's football delegation is in Washington, D.C., for the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw.
- Iran initially considered boycotting the event over visa issues.
- The U.S. granted four visas out of nine requested by the Iranian delegation.
- Iran's football federation president, Mehdi Taj, was not granted a visa.
- Mehdi Taj criticized the visa decision as politically motivated.
- FIFA welcomed the Iranian delegation's arrival for the tournament preparations.
- Iran qualified for the World Cup through the Asian qualifiers.
- The USA and Iran have had tense relations for over 40 years, with past disputes including nuclear talks and recent military conflict involvement.
