FIFA has hailed the World Cup draw in Washington DC as a significant step towards the finals, although challenges loom ahead. Ahead of the event, concerns arise about potential disruptions from US President Donald Trump, reminiscent of his past actions at the Ryder Cup. Unlike previous instances involving two teams, this draw involves representatives from 48 teams, with six nations yet to secure their spots, including Iran who will not participate in the draw due to visa issues.
Despite efforts by the Iranian Football Federation’s president, Mehdi Taj, to secure visas, only a limited delegation has received them, leading Iran to announce a boycott, citing politicization of the event. Renowned figures like Rio Ferdinand and Tom Brady are set to play key roles at the draw, where participating teams will discover their groupings and opponents.
However, teams will have to wait an additional 24 hours post-draw for the release of the full schedule, a departure from past practices. The complete match schedule for all 104 games will be unveiled separately, accompanied by appearances from FIFA legends. The draw aims to keep the top four ranked teams apart until the semifinals, including England, while the complex group allocation process for the remaining teams remains a source of confusion.
As the tournament unfolds, uncertainties linger, hinting at a potentially tumultuous sporting spectacle. Join our WhatsApp community for regular Mirror Football updates and exclusive offers. Sky has announced a discounted Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the upcoming season, promising extensive live sports coverage including Premier League matches, Formula 1, and more.
Jeremy, a seasoned sports writer, brings his expertise to Daily Star, covering Manchester football extensively and providing in-depth analysis on various sports events. At Reach and its affiliates, we utilize cookies and device identifiers to enhance user experience and deliver tailored advertisements. You can manage your data preferences by clicking the “Do Not Sell or Share my Data” button on our website. By using our services, you consent to our cookie usage and acknowledge our Privacy Notice and Terms and Conditions.
