"FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football World Cup Asian Qualifiers Group A Iran v North Korea Azadi Stadium, Tehran, Iran June 10, 2025 Iran players pose for a team group photo before the match Majid Asgaripour/WANA (West Asia News Agency) via REUTERS ATTENTION EDITORS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY./File Photo WASHINGTON, D.C. Iran's soccer federation (FFIRI) has lifted its boycott and will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center on Friday afternoon in the nation's capital."
"The FFIRI last week stated that it would not attend the festivities after three members of its delegation were denied US visas and barred from entering the country, including FFIRI president Mehdi Taj. On Thursday night, however, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali revealed that a delegation would, in fact, be in attendance. Head coach Ardeshir Ghalehnoy will be in attendance. Our representatives have a visa and should participate in the World Cup Draw, Donyamali said."
Iran's soccer federation (FFIRI) initially announced a boycott after three delegation members, including FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, were denied US visas and barred from entering the country. Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali later confirmed that a delegation will attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center, and that head coach Ardeshir Ghalehnoy will be present. Donyamali said representatives have a visa and should participate in the draw. Iran is one of 19 countries whose citizens are banned from entering the United States for the tournament due to strained bilateral relations. Iran will compete in its fourth consecutive World Cup and has never advanced past the group stage; they were eliminated by the Americans three years ago in Qatar.
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