FIFA and Iran hold ‘very constructive’ talks ahead of 2026 World Cup | OneFootball

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom said talks with Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj in Istanbul on Saturday were very constructive, amid continued concerns over Iran’s presence at the 2026 World Cup due to its conflict with the United States. The tournament runs from 11 June to 19 July in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

"I am pleased they listened to Iran's arguments, the 10 points we raised, and that they proposed solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, our national team can travel to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results," Mehdi Taj told Reuters.

Grafstrom said FIFA is working closely with the FFIRI and looked forward to welcoming Iran to the tournament. He added that entry and visa issues for players were not discussed, with the meeting focused on operational matters. He said details were not for public discussion, and that dialogue would continue.

Iran are scheduled to leave Tehran on Monday for a training camp in Türkiye, where players will also work on United States visa applications. On Thursday, Taj said no visas had yet been issued to Team Melli.

Their base camp in the United States is at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, and they are expected to travel there in early June. Iran will play New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, then face Belgium in Los Angeles, before finishing Group G against Egypt in Seattle on 26 June.

Source: L'Équipe