FIFA confident Iran will play at 2026 World Cup despite political tensions
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom is confident Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup following constructive talks with the nation’s football association.
The Middle Eastern nation’s involvement in the tournament had been called into question due to escalating geopolitical tensions following incidents between the US, Israel and Iran in February.
All three of their group matches are scheduled to take place in the United States, prompting severe logistical and security concerns.
Diplomatic hurdles and proposed solutions
Doubts intensified earlier this month when Iran FA President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
The visa refusal was reportedly linked to his association with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In response to the challenging diplomatic climate, Iranian officials had requested their matches be relocated to co-hosts Mexico.
However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino rejected the relocation proposal, insisting the original North American tournament schedule would remain unchanged.
FIFA remains optimistic
Despite these ongoing hurdles, world football’s governing body firmly expects the national team to fulfill their fixtures.
“We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA.”
Grafstrom stated, emphasising that the two organisations are actively collaborating to find solutions.
“We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”
Iran satisfied with dialogue
While specifics regarding player visas remain unconfirmed, the Iranian football chief acknowledged that their grievances were being taken seriously.
“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.”
Taj confirmed to Reuters during a recent interview.
“I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there.”
Political tensions and US fixtures
The broader political context continues to cast a shadow over the upcoming tournament.
Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump stated that while the team was welcome, he did not believe it was appropriate for them to be there for their own safety.
The Asian representatives will be based in Tucson, Arizona, for the duration of the group stages.
They are scheduled to face New Zealand on 15 June and Belgium on 21 June in Los Angeles, before travelling to Seattle to play Egypt on 26 June.
A politically charged knockout fixture remains a distinct possibility depending on group stage results.
Should both nations finish second in their respective groups, Iran could face the United States in the last 32 in Dallas.