FIFA official offers update on Iran's participation at 2026 World Cup
A key figure within FIFA, Mattias Grafstrom, has held constructive talks with Iran's FA President Mehdi Taj and is confident they will appear at the World Cup.Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but their participation in the tournament has been called into question since the US and Israel attacked Iran back in February.Further questions were raised when Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).Iran themselves have requested to play their matches outside of the US, proposing co-hosts Mexico as an alternative, but that was turned down by FIFA President Gianni Infantino who maintained that the original plan would go ahead.Despite the political issues FIFA's Secretary General does believe Iran will be present. He said: "We've had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA. We're working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup."READ MORE: Iran name 10 conditions for playing at the World Cup as war rumbles onREAD MORE: FIFA chief Gianni Infantino pens explosive book and takes aim at Sepp BlatterGrafstrom failed to provide details on the visa situation for Iran's players, but insists positive dialogue has been held. Iran's football chief admitted that the points and concerns that had been raised were listened to, with solutions offered.He told Reuters: "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."We've discussed all relevant matters, but I think it's not the place to discuss the details. Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue."Earlier this year US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran were "welcome to the World Cup, but I really don’t believe it is appropriate that they be there, for their own life and safety."Iran are scheduled to play New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June - both in Los Angeles - and Egypt in Seattle on 26 June. The team will be based in Tucson, Arizona.The possibility exists that Iran could face the US in the last 32 in Dallas if both teams finished second in their respective groups.Join our new WhatsApp community! Click this link to receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV packageThis article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn moreSky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
