US Bars Iran From 2026 World Cup Draw While Defending Israel’s Participation

The United States has barred Iran from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, sparking diplomatic outrage and debate over politicising football, while defending Israel’s participation in the tournament (image source)

The United States has refused to grant Iran permission to attend the official 2026 FIFA World Cup draw in Washington, D.C., citing security and diplomatic considerations—a move that has sparked outrage in Tehran and accusations of politicising football. Iranian officials have vowed to appeal to FIFA for clarification, arguing that the exclusion undermines the tournament’s neutrality. Simultaneously, the US has reaffirmed its support for Israel’s participation, calling its stance a defence of “equal representation” amid global calls for sporting sanctions tied to ongoing conflicts.

While Iran’s absence from the draw does not amount to an official disqualification, the decision creates serious logistical and diplomatic challenges. Iran may face difficulties participating in matches scheduled on US soil, even if the team qualifies for fixtures hosted across the other North American co-hosts—Canada and Mexico. Analysts say FIFA could attempt to rework fixtures to keep Iran out of the United States, but such a move would invite further legal complications and accusations of bias.

The controversy places FIFA in a delicate position as it faces pressure to insulate global football from politics. The governing body has previously suspended teams for political and security reasons—most notably Russia in 2022—but critics argue that Washington’s decision undermines the fairness expected of a global event. Observers point to the close ties between FIFA leadership and US political circles as fuelling concerns over impartiality.

Even if Iran’s team is ultimately allowed to compete, existing US travel bans on Iranian nationals threaten to prevent fans from attending matches or supporting their team in person. The situation risks widening into a diplomatic standoff, with Tehran hinting at possible boycotts or retaliatory actions. Washington’s concurrent defence of Israel’s participation has only heightened accusations of double standards in how sporting bodies respond to international conflicts.

Whether FIFA President Gianni Infantino steps in to broker a solution—or whether Iran’s appeal succeeds—remains to be seen. The next key developments include FIFA’s procedural response, potential draw adjustments, and any host-country exemptions for affected teams and supporters.