U.S. reportedly declines Iran visas for World Cup draw

Sport business Hournal-Oct 4th2025

By Alex Silverman

The U.S. State Department has reportedly declined visa requests for an official Iranian delegation to attend the draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is scheduled to be held at the Kennedy Center in D.C. on Dec. 5. The Tehran Times, an English-language Iranian news outlet, reported Wednesday that the U.S. government has not issued visas for Iran Football Federation President Mehdi Taj, coach Amir Ghalenoei and seven other federation members seeking to attend the draw.

The report of a potential effort by the federal government to prevent the Iranian officials from attending the draw has naturally raised questions about whether the Iranian team, which has already qualified for the World Cup, will be able to participate in the competition itself next summer. President Trump issued an executive order earlier this year banning travel to the U.S. from 12 countries, including Iran, but included a carve-out for “major sporting events,” with specific references to the World Cup and Olympics.

FIFA VP and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani said Wednesday at Leaders Week London that he was not concerned about the Iranian national team being able to play matches in the U.S. during next summer’s World Cup despite the host country’s restrictions on travel from Iran. He said that where Iran plays its matches will be determined by December’s draw rather than any geopolitical considerations. “We already have assurances from all three governments [the U.S., Canada and Mexico] … that teams that qualify will be allowed to come in and participate,” Montagliani said.

A State Dept. spokesperson declined comment to SBJ, citing visa record confidentiality.

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