Iran’s soccer federation (FFIRI) has decided to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup Draw at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., after initially planning a boycott. This change comes after three delegation members, including FFIRI president Mehdi Taj, were denied US visas. However, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali confirmed that their delegation, including head coach Ardeshir Ghalehnoy, will attend as they have obtained visas. Iran is one of 19 countries facing entry restrictions to the US due to ongoing diplomatic tensions. Competing in their fourth consecutive World Cup, Iran has yet to progress beyond the group stage, previously being eliminated by the US during the Qatar World Cup. FIFA expressed enthusiasm for working with Iran and US authorities to ensure their participation in the 2026 World Cup.
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