FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has described Saturday’s meeting with the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul as “excellent” and “constructive” as discussions continue over Iran’s participation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Iran are expected to camp in the United States and play all three of their Group G matches there despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“We’ve had an excellent meeting, a constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” said Grafstrom.
“I think we’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them to the World Cup.
“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.”
Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj had earlier revealed on Thursday that visas had not yet been issued for the Iranian squad.
However, he also labelled Saturday’s talks as “positive and constructive” while declining to disclose further details.
“We discussed our concerns and expressed our joint commitment to ensure the smooth participation of Team Melli,” he said.
The meeting at the headquarters of the Turkish Football Federation comes ahead of Iran’s departure to Turkey on Monday for a preparatory training camp before travelling to the United States.
Iran are expected to play two friendly matches in Antalya and have already confirmed a clash against The Gambia on May 29, according to Iranian-Canadian match organiser Sam Mehdizadeh.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei named a provisional 30-man squad for the tournament, which must later be reduced to the permitted 26 players.
While Mehdi Taremi was included, experienced striker Sardar Azmoun was left out despite scoring 57 goals for the national team and previously featuring for Bayer Leverkusen and AS Roma.
Azmoun, who previously showed support for anti-government protests in Iran, was recently accused of “treason” by Iranian state media after a photograph surfaced in March showing him with the Emir of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, where he currently lives and plays club football.
Ghalenoei defended his squad selection, insisting football considerations alone influenced his decision.
“I swear before God that nothing other than technical criteria played a role in the selection of the players, and I chose the 30 players solely on that basis,” he said.
Iran have now qualified for a fourth successive World Cup and will establish their training base in Tucson, Arizona, upon arriving in the United States.
Team Melli will open their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15 before taking on Belgium in the same city and Egypt in Seattle in their remaining Group G fixtures.
