FIFA talks with Iran about 2026 World Cup participation

FIFA Secretary‑General Mattias Grafström described a meeting held on Saturday in Istanbul with the Iranian Football Federation as “excellent” and “constructive.” The discussion aimed to secure Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Iran will be based in the United States and play all three of its group matches there, despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting, a constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” said Grafström. “I think we’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the World Cup.”

“We’ve had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters, like we do with every member association,” he added. “But I’m very happy that we were able to have this positive exchange, and both the Iran FA and FIFA are very happy with the meeting and looking forward to welcoming Team Melli in the USA, Canada and Mexico.”

Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj said on Thursday that no visas had yet been issued for the team, but he also described Saturday’s meeting as “positive and constructive” without providing further details.

“We discussed our concerns and expressed our joint commitment to ensure the smooth participation of Team Melli,” Taj said.

– Coach defends selection –

The meeting, held at the headquarters of the Turkish Football Federation, comes as the Iranian squad prepares to depart on Monday morning for a training camp in Turkey before heading to the United States.

Iran plans to play two friendlies in Antalya, having already confirmed a match against The Gambia on May 29, according to Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian‑Canadian who organizes friendlies for the team.

The squad will consist of 30 players, which must be reduced to the World Cup maximum of 26.

Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is included, but star striker Sardar Azmoun—who has scored 57 goals for the national team and previously played for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma—is not on the list. Azmoun, who has publicly supported anti‑regime protesters, was recently accused of “treason” by Iranian state media after a March photo showed him with the Emir of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where he plays and resides.

Coach Amir Ghalenoei defended his selection process, stating, “I swear before God that nothing other than technical criteria played a role in the selection of the players, and I chose the 30 players solely on that basis.”

Iran has qualified for its fourth consecutive World Cup finals. Upon arrival in the United States, the team will establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. Their campaign will begin with a match against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, followed by games against Belgium and Egypt in the same city and in Seattle, respectively, as part of Group G.

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