FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has described a meeting with the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul on 17 May as excellent and constructive, with both parties expressing confidence that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“We are working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the World Cup,” Grafstrom said. “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.”
Iranian federation president Mehdi Taj echoed the positive tone, describing the talks as constructive and saying both parties had expressed their joint commitment to ensure Iran’s smooth participation, though he noted that no visas had yet been issued for the squad.
The meeting, held at the Turkish Football Federation headquarters, came as Iran prepared to depart for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before heading to the United States. They plan to play two warm-up friendlies in Antalya, with one confirmed against The Gambia on 29 May.
Iran are travelling with a 30-man squad that will be trimmed to 26 before the tournament begins. Porto striker Mehdi Taremi is included, but Sardar Azmoun, who has scored 57 international goals, has been left out. Coach Amir Ghalenoei defended the omission, insisting selection was based purely on technical criteria.
Iran will be based in Tucson, Arizona and open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June before facing Belgium and Egypt in Group G.
