FIFA Confident Over Iran national football team’s Participation in 2026 World Cup After Key Talks in Turkey

According to RMC Sport, FIFA and the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran held a decisive meeting last Saturday at the headquarters of the Turkish Football Federation to discuss the conditions surrounding Iran national football team’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Following the meeting, FIFA reportedly believes there is now “almost no doubt” that Iran will take part in the tournament as scheduled.

The meeting was led by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who met face-to-face with representatives of the Iranian federation. Sources said the talks were conducted in a “calm atmosphere,” focusing primarily on logistical arrangements for Iran’s travel and stay during the tournament. FIFA reportedly pledged to “make every effort” to facilitate the team’s participation in the United States.

Iran’s main request was to obtain “clear guarantees” regarding the issuance of U.S. visas under the World Cup framework. The request comes in the wake of a diplomatic incident in Canada several weeks ago related to an international organization’s congress. Despite that, FIFA remains optimistic internally that Iran will participate without issues and welcomed the fact that the meeting took place successfully just weeks before the tournament.

FIFA also assured the Iranian delegation that all participating teams would benefit from special entry procedures to ensure smooth access into the United States.

Several concrete arrangements were also finalized during the meeting. Iran’s World Cup base camp in the United States has been confirmed as Tucson, located south of Phoenix and close to the Mexican border. The Iranian delegation is reportedly satisfied with both the location and its geography.
At present, the Iran national team has already begun its pre-World Cup training camp in Turkey.