FIFA and Iran hold 'constructive' talks ahead of 2026 World Cup over visa issues
ISTANBUL, TURKEY: FIFA officials and representatives from the Iranian Football Federation held what both sides described as an “excellent” and “constructive” meeting in Istanbul as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite continuing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
The meeting took place at the headquarters of the Turkish Football Federation and centered on logistical and operational arrangements linked to Iran’s participation in the expanded global tournament, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA is committed to working closely with Iran
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said the governing body remains committed to working closely with Iran ahead of the competition.
“I think we’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the World Cup,” Grafstrom said following the discussions.
He added that FIFA and the Iranian federation reviewed a range of “operational matters,” similar to the consultations held with all participating member associations ahead of major international tournaments.
Focus on football despite regional tensions
The meeting comes amid uncertainty surrounding visa approvals for the Iranian national team, which is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States.
Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj said visas for members of the squad and delegation had not yet been issued.
The issue has drawn attention because of strained relations between Iran and the United States, as well as broader instability in the Middle East. Despite those concerns, FIFA officials indicated that preparations for Iran’s participation remain on track.
Taj described the talks with FIFA as “positive and constructive,” saying both sides exchanged views on key concerns linked to the tournament.
“We discussed our concerns and expressed our joint commitment” to ensuring successful participation in the World Cup, Taj said.
Turkey to serve as pre-World Cup base
Iran’s national team is expected to use Turkey as a training base in the lead-up to the tournament. According to federation officials, the squad will hold training camps and play a series of friendly matches there before traveling to the United States.
During the World Cup, Iran will be based in Tucson, Arizona.
The team’s group-stage schedule includes an opening match against the New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles, followed by another fixture in the city against the Belgium national football team.
Iran will then travel to Seattle for its final group match against the Egyptian national football team.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first edition of the tournament to feature 48 teams and will be spread across multiple host nations and cities in North America.
While political and diplomatic concerns continue to surround Iran’s participation, FIFA appears keen to project confidence that sporting commitments will proceed as planned.
The latest discussions in Istanbul signal an effort by both FIFA and Iranian football authorities to keep preparations focused on the tournament itself, even as wider regional tensions remain unresolved.
