FIFA Confident Iran Will Play In 2026 World Cup Despite US Tensions

Last Updated:May 17, 2026, 12:16 IST

FIFA says Iran remain on course for the 2026 World Cup after ‘constructive’ talks, despite ongoing visa concerns and political tensions with the United States.

FIFA has moved to calm growing uncertainty surrounding Iran’s participation at the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström confirmed on Saturday that he held a “constructive" and “positive" meeting with Iranian football president Mehdi Taj, expressing confidence that Iran will compete at this summer’s tournament in North America.

“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA," Grafström told Reuters during a visit to Istanbul.

“We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup."

Political Tensions Raise Concerns

Iran are scheduled to play all three Group G matches in the United States during the tournament, which runs from June 11 to July 19.

However, concerns over their participation intensified following escalating tensions between Iran, the United States and Israel earlier this year.

The situation became even more complicated when Taj was reportedly denied entry into Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver because of alleged links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Both the United States and Canada classify the IRGC as a terrorist organisation, creating uncertainty around travel permissions and visa clearances linked to Iranian football officials.

Despite the concerns, FIFA publicly struck an optimistic tone following Saturday’s talks.

FIFA Avoids Visa Details

Grafström declined to discuss specifics regarding visa arrangements for Iranian players and staff, but confirmed operational issues had been addressed during the meeting.

“We’ve 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."

Taj also described the discussions positively and said FIFA had responded to concerns raised by the Iranian federation.

“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," Taj said.

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

Iran’s World Cup Plans Continue

Iran had earlier requested that their World Cup fixtures be shifted to Mexico due to political tensions, but FIFA president Gianni Infantino reportedly insisted that matches remain at their originally scheduled venues.

Iran’s squad is now set to leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey before travelling to their tournament base in Tucson, Arizona.

Their World Cup campaign begins against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, before further group-stage matches against Belgium and Egypt.

(with Reuters inputs)

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