FIFA reports 'positive' talks with Iran ahead of 2026 World Cup

FIFA has described recent talks with Iranian football officials as positive and constructive ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

According to FIFA, Secretary-General Mattias Grafström held a constructive meeting with Mehdi Taj, the president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), during which both sides discussed preparations and participation issues related to the tournament.

Grafström expressed confidence regarding Iran’s involvement in the upcoming World Cup following the discussions.

"We have had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting ​together with the Iran FA," Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul on Saturday.

"We are working closely together ​and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup."

More questions ⁠have arisen after FFIRI's Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier ​this month because he completed his military service in the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC).

Military service in Iran is compulsory for men after the age of 18, and in addition to the army and the police, many complete their military service in the IRGC.

The US and Canada, countries ​co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, in a politically-motivated move, have classified the IRGC as a so-called "terrorist entity" and have made it clear they will not admit Iranians who have finished their military service in the IRGC.

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Iran

Iran is scheduled to play all three ‌of their group matches in the US, but the team's participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the US-Israeli aggression against Iran.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran's players, ​but said the two sides had the opportunity to discuss several of the operational matters and had ​a positive exchange.

"We have ⁠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.”

FFIRI had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials regarding the 2026 World Cup, Taj told reporters.

"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. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there," he said.

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched ​to Mexico, but ⁠FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran's squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before moving on to their US base at ⁠the Kino ​Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June.

Iran is scheduled ​to get their World Cup campaign underway against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to ​play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

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