WANA (Oct 08) – Reports indicate that the U.S. is escalating its obstruction against Iran’s national football team, potentially forcing all of Iran’s group-stage matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup to be moved to Mexico.
Renowned football journalist Mohammad Awaad reported that the U.S. refusal to issue visas for Iran’s football delegation to attend the World Cup draw could have serious consequences. This initial delay, he warns, might prompt FIFA to relocate Iran’s group-stage games outside the United States.
Under FIFA regulations, World Cup host countries are prohibited from using political considerations to interfere with the tournament. However, Iran’s football federation spokesperson, Alavi, confirmed that the U.S. has so far denied visas to key figures, including head coach Amir Ghalenoei, federation president Mehdi Taj, and seven other officials, preventing their participation in the official draw. The federation is currently negotiating with FIFA to resolve the issue.
Yesterday, German DPA journalist Mohammed Al-Jazzar revealed that FIFA is reportedly considering the unusual proposal of holding Iran’s World Cup draw in Mexico.
According to the popular Arab journalist, if visas for the head coach and federation president are not granted, there is a risk that the entire national team could be barred from entering the U.S. In that scenario, FIFA might relocate all of Iran’s group-stage matches to Mexico to avoid political tensions.
The visa denial for Iran’s team was first reported by Sports Business Journal, despite an executive order issued earlier this year by U.S. President Donald Trump, which barred travel from 12 countries, including Iran, but allowed exceptions for major sporting events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
FIFA officials have sought to calm concerns. Victor Montagliani, FIFA vice president and CONCACAF president, stated in London that the U.S. government’s visa restrictions would not prevent Iran from competing in the tournament. He emphasized that match locations will be determined solely by the December draw, not geopolitical considerations.
“We have received assurances from all three host governments — the United States, Canada, and Mexico — that qualified teams will be allowed entry and participation in the tournament,” Montagliani said. “With all due respect to the world’s political leaders, football is bigger than them. The game will outlast regimes, governments, and their slogans.”