October 2, 2025
Iranian delegation have been denied entry to attend the World Cup draw taking place in the U.S by the U.S. government.
This was disclosed by spokesperson for the Iranian Football Federation, FFI, Amir-Mehdi Alawi .
Alawi told the daily newspaper Shargh, that FFI president Mehdi Taj and head coach Amir Ghalenoei were among seven other FFI officials denied entry.
Meanwhile, FFI is trying to get FIFA president Gianni Infantino to reverse the decision, while hoping that Infantino will lift the ban within the next two weeks.
Though the World Cup draw will take place on Dec. 5, in Washington, there were already fears over President Donald Trump, entry ban imposed on Iranians.
The entry ban could jeopardise the participation of the already qualified Iran national team in 2026 World Cup in the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
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Sports analysts, say the team and the coaching staff themselves will probably have no problems in this regard, but the the same cannot said for some FFI officials, sports reporters and the fans in particular.
The FFI therefore hopes that Iran’s matches will at least be held in Canada or Mexico and not in the US.
Almost two million Iranians live in the U.S. and their family members have always been able to visit them in spite of political differences and difficult visa procedures. But even these family reunions are now blocked by the current entry ban by president Trump.
Iran and the U.S. have not had diplomatic relations for over 45 years and are considered political arch-enemies.
