As an American citizen born in Iran, and someone fortunate enough to coach both the U.S. and Iranian national teams, I feel a personal responsibility to speak about the World Cup 2026 Draw and Iran’s delegation. Football has shown me, time and time again, its power to bridge boundaries and bring nations and people closer together.
I have devoted my life to this sport because I believe in its ability to unite humanity. The World Cup is more than a tournament, it is a global stage where countries stand side by side in respect, equality, and shared passion. Every qualified nation deserves dignity, access, and fair treatment, free from political interference.
Due to the current U.S. immigration restrictions introduced under the Trump administration, policies that limit visa issuance for Iranian nationals, the members of Iran’s delegation were unable to obtain visas to attend the draw. In response, the entire delegation has chosen to boycott the event. This moment reminds us how essential it is for football to uphold fairness and ensure that every nation is welcomed with respect. Equal access is not just a diplomatic courtesy, it is fundamental to the integrity of our sport. Football is at its best when it rises above politics and brings people and cultures together in moments of hope, joy, and unity. —Afshin Ghotbi
