Iran’s national football team delegation has arrived in Washington, DC, just days after threatening to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw over visa restrictions imposed by the United States. Their attendance ends weeks of uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation in the official ceremony for the expanded 48-team tournament.

Iranian Delegation Arrives After Visa Dispute

Head coach Ardeshir Amir Ghalenoei landed in the US capital with several representatives from the Islamic Republic of Iran Football Federation (FFIRI), FIFA confirmed on Friday. The delegation will take part in both the World Cup Final Draw and a pre-tournament team seminar.

Iran had initially stated that they would refuse to attend after the US approved only four out of nine requested visas. Among those denied was FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, who publicly criticized the US decision as politically motivated.

“We told FIFA that these decisions have nothing to do with sports,” Taj said last week on Iranian state television. “FIFA must urge the US to stop this behaviour.”

Despite the complaints, the partial delegation proceeded with travel plans after receiving the available visas.

FIFA Confirms Full Cooperation With Iran

FIFA welcomed Iran’s attendance in an official statement, emphasizing continued collaboration ahead of next summer’s tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

“FIFA looks forward to continuing its work with the Iranian Football Federation and with host nation authorities to ensure all necessary preparations for their participation in the World Cup,” the organisation said.

A Complicated US–Iran Relationship Casts a Shadow

The visa dispute reflects the broader context of tense diplomatic relations between Washington and Tehran, which have remained strained for more than 40 years. The US enforces strict visa screening and limitations for Iranian nationals due to longstanding political and security concerns.

In recent years, the two countries had attempted renewed diplomatic engagement through nuclear talks, but discussions collapsed earlier this year following a surge in regional conflict. In June, an unprecedented Israeli attack on Iran sparked a 12-day war that briefly drew the United States into military operations targeting Iranian nuclear sites.

Iran Awaits Its World Cup 2026 Opponents

Iran qualified early for the FIFA World Cup 2026 through the Asian qualifiers and will discover its group-stage rivals at Friday’s draw at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The event marks a key milestone in preparations for the first-ever 48-team World Cup.

Despite the turbulence surrounding the visa dispute, Iran’s presence ensures that the team’s World Cup planning remains on track as global anticipation builds for the tournament.