WANA (May 17) – FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström has confirmed that “excellent and constructive” talks have taken place with Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), regarding Iran’s participation in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup.

 

Speaking on the sidelines of his trip to Istanbul, Grafström addressed the current status of Iran’s involvement, emphasizing the positive trajectory of the discussions.

 

“We listened to all 10 conditions raised by Iran, and we provided solutions for each of them,” Grafström stated. “I hope that the Iranian national team will head to the World Cup without any issues and achieve great results.”

 

While the Secretary General declined to provide specific details regarding visa procurement and entry arrangements into the United States, he assured that all logistical hurdles were on the table. “We discussed all relevant matters. Overall, it was a very positive meeting, and we look forward to continuing our dialogue.”

 

Mehdi Taj, president of the Iranian Football Federation, echoed these positive sentiments following his meeting with FIFA officials in Istanbul. “I am pleased that they listened to all 10 points raised by Iran and provided solutions for each of them,” Taj said. “I hope, God willing, that our national team will be able to head to the World Cup without any issues and achieve great results.”

 

Iran’s World Cup Preparation Schedule

The Iranian national team is finalizing its preparatory roadmap ahead of the tournament:

 

Monday, May 17: The squad will depart Tehran for Turkey to kick off an initial training camp.

 

Early June: The team will transition to North America, setting up their primary training camp at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona.