#sports-diplomacy

#sports-diplomacy

Iran is to be represented at Friday's draw for the 2026 World Cup. The country's FA had previously said it would boycott the draw after several members of its planned delegation were denied visas for the United States. Iran is now expected to have a delegation at Friday's World Cup draw in Washington D.C. after all. Iranian Sports Minister Ahmad Donjamali told state news agency Irna on Thursday that head coach Amir Ghalenoei would attend.

I always meet other football presidents before we play games. I'm very much into dialogue, and the more difficult it gets, the more important is that we meet, even if it's difficult, Klaveness said on Friday. Israel's FA criticised the ticket money move at the time, saying: It would be nice if some of the amount were directed to try to find a condemnation by the Norwegian FA of the October 7 massacre that claimed the lives of hundreds of Israeli citizens and children.