FIFA holds ‘positive’ talks with Iranian football officials on World Cup
FIFA held constructive talks with Iranian football officials to address concerns about Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup, particularly regarding travel to the United States. Iran had requested to move their matches to Mexico due to geopolitical tensions, but FIFA maintained the original schedule. Despite a recent incident where Iran's football chief was denied entry to Canada, both sides expressed optimism about resolving logistical and visa issues.
- ▪FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom met with Iran's football chief Mehdi Taj in Istanbul for positive and constructive discussions.
- ▪Iran raised 10 concerns about participating in the World Cup, and FIFA offered solutions for each, according to Taj.
- ▪Iran's football president was denied entry to Canada despite holding a valid visa, raising concerns about access to the US-hosted matches.
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino insisted Iran's matches must remain in the US as originally scheduled, rejecting a request to move them to Mexico.
- ▪Iran is set to play all three group stage matches in the US, starting against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15.
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Sport|World Cup 2026FIFA holds ‘positive’ talks with Iranian football officials on World CupFIFA offers solutions for each of Iran’s concerns before games in US, Iran’s football chief says.ListenListen (3 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoFootball Federation Islamic Republic of Iran President Mehdi Taj, right, met FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom in Istanbul, Turkiye [Murad Sezer/Reuters]By ReutersPublished On 17 May 202617 May 2026FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom says he held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s football chief, Mehdi Taj, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at the World Cup.“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting…
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