Tehran: Iran will not participate in the 2026 World Cup draw, as stated by Amir Mehdi Alavi, a representative of the Iranian Football Federation, in a statement to state television. The decision comes in response to the visa restrictions imposed by the United States on athletes from Iran. Alavi emphasized that the restrictions are seen as unsportsmanlike.
According to Azeri-Press news agency, the 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams and will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19, 2026. The draw for the event is scheduled to take place on December 5 in Washington.