WANA (Oct 07) – The International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) has reportedly proposed an unusual solution to the U.S. government’s refusal to issue visas for members of Iran’s national football team, opting not to pressure Washington directly.

According to Mohammed Al-Jazzar, a journalist with Germany’s DPA news agency, FIFA is considering holding the World Cup 2026 draw for Iran’s group in Mexico instead of the United States. The move comes amid Washington’s delay in granting visas to Iran’s head coach Amir Ghalenoei, Football Federation president Mehdi Taj, and seven accompanying officials.