Vienna, May 17 (EFE).- FIFA remains confident that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup after what it described as a “constructive” meeting with officials from the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul.
“We’ve had an excellent meeting—a constructive meeting together with the Iran FA. I think we’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the FIFA World Cup 2026,” FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström said in a statement published on FIFA’s website.
the FIFA Secretary General said. “We’ve had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters, like we do with every Member Association. But I’m very happy that we were able to have this positive exchange, and both the Iran FA and FIFA are very happy with the meeting and looking forward to welcoming Team Melli in the USA, Canada and Mexico.”
“We have had an excellent meeting, a constructive one together with the Football Federation of Iran. I think we are working closely together and we look forward with great enthusiasm to welcoming them to the FIFA World Cup 2026.”
According to the statement, the meeting held Saturday in Istanbul focused on “some operational matters” and both sides were “very satisfied with the meeting and excited to welcome Team Melli to the USA, Canada and Mexico.”
Iran’s national team is expected to travel to Turkey in the coming days for a training camp before heading to the United States for its group-stage matches against New Zealand national football team, Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team in Los Angeles and Seattle beginning June 16.
Despite tensions between Iran and the United States, Iran’s participation in the tournament remains on track, although entry for team delegations and staff will still depend on the immigration policies of the host countries.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently said players would be allowed to enter the country, but indicated that technical staff linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps could face restrictions.
On Sunday, the Iranian federation said it would participate in the World Cup if 10 conditions are met, including guarantees on visa issuance, security arrangements, and respect for Iran’s flag and national anthem amid concerns over possible protests by dissidents living in the United States. EFE
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