Trump Lifts Iran Visa Ban for 2026 World Cup Draw

By Amir Daftari

Iran has reversed its decision to boycott the FIFA World Cup 2026 draw in Washington, D.C., setting the stage for its football officials to attend Friday’s high-profile event.

The Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) had previously announced it would not participate after three members of its seven-person delegation were denied U.S. visas.

With new approvals now secured by President Donald Trump's administration, head coach Amir Ghalenoei and other officials are expected to take part in the ceremony.

Newsweek has contacted the State Department, FIFA and Iran's Foreign Ministry for comment via email.

Why It Matters

Iran’s temporary boycott highlights persistent tensions surrounding U.S. travel restrictions that continue to affect nationals from nearly 20 countries.

With the U.S. preparing to co-host next year’s tournament alongside Canada and Mexico, these issues take on added significance as Iran heads into its fourth straight World Cup finals, which begins on June 11. The ability for teams, officials, and supporters to navigate U.S. visa rules has become central to ensuring the tournament remains accessible and internationally representative.

The episode also underscores growing concern from human rights groups over how U.S. enforcement practices may affect visiting fans, particularly those from minority communities or from countries facing heightened entry restrictions. As preparations accelerate, questions about fairness, security and safe access continue to shape the broader conversation surrounding the World Cup’s return to North America.

What To Know

The FFIRI announced last week it would skip the draw after the Trump administration rejected three visa applications, including one for federation president Mehdi Taj. Iran argued that attending without its full delegation was not feasible.

However, by Thursday the situation shifted. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed that key members had received approval, saying: “Our representatives have a visa and should participate in the World Cup draw.”

Trip Details and Event Timing

Following the minister’s announcement, state media reported that Ghalenoei would be joined by Omid Jamali, the FFIRI’s head of international relations.

Their participation became possible only after the U.S. issued the necessary visas, resolving the dispute that had threatened Iran’s attendance just days earlier.

The draw itself will take place in Washington, D.C., on Friday at noon ET.

U.S. Restrictions and Athletic Exemptions

Iran’s difficulties stem from broader U.S. entry rules enacted under a June directive issued by Trump. While the policy restricts travel from 19 countries, exemptions were created for FIFA World Cup-related personnel, including athletes, coaches, and “persons performing a necessary support role.”

Even with these exemptions, Iran said that three of its applications were denied—setting off the chain of events that led to its temporary boycott.

With visas now granted to key figures, the episode illustrates both the complexity of the rules and the uncertainty they create for teams.

Concerns for Fans Traveling to the US

While team officials have now cleared the process, supporters from restricted nations face far greater uncertainty.

FIFA has introduced the FIFA Pass to give ticket holders priority access to visa applications, but approval remains far from guaranteed. Human rights organizations have warned that visitors could still encounter mistreatment.

What People Are Saying

Ahmad Donyamali, Iran's sports minister, said on Thursday: “Our representatives have a visa and should participate in the World Cup draw.”

Andrew Giuliani, head of the White House task force on the World Cup, told reporters on Thursday: “The president has, in his executive order, certainly named Iran as one of the countries whose teams will be exempt to come here.”

What Happens Next

With Iran’s participation confirmed, attention now turns to how U.S. visa procedures will affect the thousands of fans planning to travel, as debates over access and security continue to shape preparations for next year’s World Cup.