FIFA confident Iran will compete at 2026 World Cup after Istanbul talks

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom met Iranian football officials in Istanbul on Saturday, May 17, 2026, and expressed confidence that Iran will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Officials said the discussions focused on operational and logistical matters related to Iran’s participation, including travel and match arrangements for group fixtures in the United States. The tournament runs from June 11 to July 19 across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The meeting followed weeks of uncertainty tied to regional tensions and questions over entry requirements for Iranian delegation members. Iran is scheduled to play all three group-stage matches in the U.S., which prompted the federation to seek clarity on visas and travel logistics, officials said.

After the talks, both sides described the exchange as constructive. FIFA and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) signaled they would continue close coordination ahead of the team’s arrival, with the world body indicating it expects Iran to compete as planned.

Visa assurances and match locations

Canada entry episode heightens scrutiny

Concerns intensified this month when FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada for a FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Canadian government statements indicated the refusal was linked to alleged ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which Canada designated a terrorist organization in 2024. The episode raised fears of similar hurdles for some delegation members traveling to the U.S. for the World Cup.

Grafstrom declined to discuss specific visa arrangements for players and staff, but officials said the Istanbul meeting allowed both parties to review operational issues and outline next steps. FIFA emphasized that dialogue will continue as preparations accelerate.

Iran’s request to move games denied

Iran had asked to relocate its group matches to Mexico, a co-host with the U.S. and Canada. FIFA leadership has maintained that games will be played as originally scheduled, meaning Iran’s fixtures remain set for U.S. venues.

Team preparations and Group G schedule

Camp in Turkey, then U.S. base

FFIRI said the national team will depart Tehran for a training camp in Turkey before heading to its U.S. base in early June. The delegation is set to operate out of the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, during the group stage.

Opening match and opposition

Iran is scheduled to open its World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. The team is also due to face Belgium and Egypt in Group G, according to the current tournament schedule.

FIFA and FFIRI plan further coordination in the coming weeks. Key milestones include timely visa issuances and final travel approvals for the delegation; officials said updates will follow as operational plans are finalized.