The long-awaited draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, scheduled for Washington DC, has been plunged into controversy before a single ball is pulled from the pot. What was billed as a "thrilling milestone" by football's governing body now risks being overshadowed by diplomatic spats and the looming presence of former US President Donald Trump.
Political Tensions Overshadow Sporting Event
Iran has announced it will boycott the ceremony at the John F Kennedy Centre after US immigration officials failed to grant visas to key members of its delegation. Notably, Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, was among those denied entry. The Iranian federation claims the event has become "politicised," a charge that gained traction after FIFA President Gianni Infantino's reported intervention failed to resolve the visa issue.
This diplomatic incident sets a fraught stage for an event already facing logistical complexities. With six nations yet to qualify, the draw will determine the groups for 48 teams, but the absence of Iran's representatives underscores the political undercurrents running through the tournament's preparation.
Trump's Shadow and a Marathon Draw Process
Further complicating matters is the expected attendance of Donald Trump. Observers fear a repeat of his appearance at September's Ryder Cup in New York, where his presence dominated proceedings. With representatives from dozens of football nations present, the potential for the draw to be "hijacked" for political spectacle is a significant concern for FIFA and competing teams.
On the pitch, the draw itself promises to be an unprecedented marathon. For the first time in World Cup history, the full fixture schedule—including venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches—will not be released concurrently. Teams will learn their group opponents on Friday but must wait until 5pm GMT on Saturday for the complete details, a delay that hampers immediate planning.
Byzantine Procedures and Future Uncertainty
The draw procedure, explained by FIFA in typically opaque language, adds another layer of confusion. FIFA intends to keep the top four ranked teams, which include England, apart until the semi-finals. Beyond that, the knockout stage pathways are described as "more complicated and contrived," leaving fans and analysts in suspense. The governing body stated that group positions for pots 2, 3, and 4 will follow a "predefined allocation pattern," a system that has done little to clarify the process for the average supporter.
High-profile names like Rio Ferdinand and NFL legend Tom Brady will conduct the draw, offering some star power. However, for managers like England's Thomas Tuchel, the extended wait for the full schedule means prolonged uncertainty over travel and preparation across North America's vast time zones.
As the football world converges on Washington, the event intended to build excitement for the 2026 finals instead highlights the challenges of hosting a mega-event in a politically charged climate. The combination of a diplomatic boycott, a polarising political figure, and a convoluted sporting procedure threatens to leave the tournament's reputation muddied before a ball is even kicked.
