FIFA confident over Iran’s World Cup participation after positive talks with FFIRI President Mehdi Taj

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom has expressed confidence in Iran’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after holding what he described as a “constructive” and “positive” meeting with Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI) president Mehdi Taj in Istanbul on Saturday.

Iran’s involvement in the global tournament has come under scrutiny following escalating tensions between the United States and Iran after the conflict involving Israel earlier this year.

The Asian giants are scheduled to play all three of their Group G matches in the United States during the June 11 to July 19 competition.

Speaking to Reuters after the meeting, Grafstrom reassured that FIFA remains committed to working with the Iranian federation ahead of the tournament.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

Further concerns emerged earlier this month when Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver due to alleged links with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is classified as a terrorist organisation by both the United States and Canada.

Despite the diplomatic complications, Grafstrom declined to discuss specific visa arrangements for Iranian players and officials, insisting discussions between FIFA and the FFIRI had been productive.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Taj also welcomed the outcome of the discussions and revealed FIFA had responded positively to concerns raised by the Iranian federation.

“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them,” Taj said. “I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there.”

Iran had previously requested that their World Cup matches be relocated to Mexico, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly maintained that all fixtures would remain at their originally designated venues.

Iran are expected to depart Tehran on Monday for a pre-World Cup training camp in Turkey before travelling to their tournament base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

The four-time Asian champions will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium and Egypt in Group G.