It is now clear that FIFA is taking steps to ensure that Iran participates in the 2026 World Cup regardless of the tension building up politically between the country and the United States. In an interview with Turkish media following a high-level meeting held in Istanbul, FIFA Secretary General, Mattias Grafström, stated that FIFA has been cooperating with Iran’s football federation, and that it is sure that there will not be any disruptions that could affect the participation of the team in the upcoming World Cup.
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström confirmed on Saturday said, “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”
The Iranian team has already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico. It will hold the tournament between June 11 to July 19, 2026. Iran have been allocated to play all their Group G fixtures in the United States. They will start their campaign against the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by games against Belgium and Egypt.
Political Tensions Raise Concerns
Questions over Iran’s participation intensified after military tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year. The situation became more sensitive when Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj was reportedly denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
The issue is linked to alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which both the United States and Canada classify as a terrorist organisation. That decision raised concerns over whether Iranian officials and support staff would face similar travel restrictions. Since Iran is due to play all three group matches in the US, visa clearance became a central issue.
FIFA Avoids Visa Details
No guarantees by the host governments have been made public by FIFA. However, according to Grafström, every issue that needed to be sorted out was discussed between the two parties. He described the discussions as “excellent,” “constructive,” and “very positive.”
According to Taj, they had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials, “We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details. Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”
The same positive approach can be found in Taj’s statement. He stated that the Iranian delegation had put forward 10 concerns. For each concern, FIFA came up with a solution. Although nothing else is known, practical problems such as travel arrangements seem to be sorted out.
Iran’s Players to Leave for US in June
Iran had requested that its matches be moved to Mexico because of political tensions. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted that all fixtures remain at their original venues.
Preparations are now moving ahead. Iran’s squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey before heading to the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June. The move signals that, despite diplomatic challenges, Iran’s World Cup plans remain firmly on track.
