State Department reportedly denies visas for Iran delegation ahead of December's World Cup draw in Washington, D.C.

The news comes after U.S. President Donald Trump issued an executive order earlier this year that impacted travel for 12 countries, with Iran among those put onto the banned list. That order included a clause that would make "major sporting events" an exception, namely the World Cup and the Olympics.

The draw is scheduled for Dec. 5. The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by Mexico, Canada and the U.S.

Earlier this week, CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who also serves as a FIFA vice president, said that he was not concerned about Iran's ability to play matches in the U.S. next summer despite the travel ban, saying, "We already have assurances from all three governments ... that teams that qualify will be allowed to come in and participate."

Meanwhile, the State Department said it will increase staffing at certain U.S. embassies and consulates to accommodate an expected major jump in visa applications from soccer fans wanting to attend World Cup matches in the U.S. next year. 

The department on Thursday said that it will send hundreds of additional consular officers to designated countries to handle the demand for visa interviews.

Tickets went on sale Wednesday amid concerns over the administration’s crackdown on migration and temporary visas that offer permission to enter the U.S. Fans from countries not part of the Visa Waiver Program and who do not already hold valid tourist or business visas will need to apply.

The department said that fans should begin the visa application process now, adding that the passport operations will remain open during the U.S. government shutdown that began this week.

Iran, whose federation is pursuing the issue through FIFA, qualified for the World Cup in March after a 2-2 draw with Uzbekistan. Team Melli, semifinalsts at each of the last two Asia Cups, cruised through group play, finishing atop their six-team group with 23 points from 10 games to automatically qualify for the tournament next summer.

Team Melli had qualified for each of the last three World Cups and five of the last seven prior to earning their place at the upcoming tournament. They've failed to advance out of the group stage in each, but nearly did so at the most recent edition in Qatar

In their third match, Iran faced the USMNT, but fell, 1-0, to a Christian Pulisic goal, ending their run on three points.

The FIFA World Cup draw will be held at the Kennedy Center in D.C. on Dec. 5. It will be the first draw to determine fixtures for the newly-formatted 48-team World Cup.