FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom has described discussions with the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran as “excellent” and “constructive” ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The meeting took place on Saturday in Istanbul as preparations continue for the tournament to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s national team, popularly known as Team Melli, is scheduled to play all three of its group-stage matches in the United States despite ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking after the meeting, Grafstrom said FIFA and the Iranian federation discussed operational arrangements and reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring Iran’s smooth participation in the tournament.
According to him, FIFA looks forward to welcoming Iran to the competition alongside other participating nations.
President of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj, also described the talks as positive, stating that both sides addressed concerns relating to preparations for the tournament.
Taj had earlier disclosed that visas had not yet been issued for members of the Iranian squad.
The meeting comes as Iran prepares to begin a training camp in Turkey before travelling to North America for the World Cup.
The Iranian team is expected to hold preparations in Antalya, where it plans to play friendly matches, including a confirmed fixture against The Gambia national football team on May 29.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has named a provisional 30-man squad that will later be reduced to the tournament limit of 26 players.
The squad includes Mehdi Taremi but excludes veteran striker Sardar Azmoun, whose omission has generated public debate.
Azmoun, who previously played for Bayer 04 Leverkusen and AS Roma, was recently criticised by Iranian state media after appearing in a photograph with the Emir of Dubai.
Defending his selection decisions, Ghalenoei insisted that only technical considerations influenced the final squad list.
Iran qualified for its fourth consecutive FIFA World Cup and will establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Team Melli will open its Group G campaign against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15 before facing Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team later in the group stage.
