FIFA has hailed the World Cup draw held in Washington DC as a significant step toward the tournament. However, many view the road ahead as challenging, filled with obstacles and uncertainties.
Concerns arise about the potential interference of US President Donald Trump in the event, reminiscent of his 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, notably Iran, absent from the draw due to visa issues.
Iran’s Football Federation President, Mehdi Taj, failed to secure a visa despite FIFA’s intervention attempts, leading Iran to boycott the event, citing political reasons. The draw will be conducted by Rio Ferdinand, with NFL star Tom Brady as one of the assistants, providing participating nations with crucial information on their groupings and opponents.
Notably, the full schedule with venues and kick-off times for all 104 matches will be disclosed a day after the draw, breaking tradition. FIFA plans to unveil the schedule with the participation of football legends, adding to the anticipation surrounding the event.
The draw’s complexity and structure have sparked confusion, particularly regarding the placement of top-ranked teams to avoid early encounters. FIFA’s allocation pattern for teams in different pots adds to the intricacy of the process, leaving many puzzled.
As the tournament unfolds, uncertainties loom, and the potential for controversy increases, setting the stage for an eventful World Cup campaign.