Iran participates in 2026 World Cup.. Meeting in Istanbul to resolve visa crisis
Iran World Cup 2026: Visa procedures await resolution in Turkey
Days before the start of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, the Iranian Football Federation, in cooperation with FIFA, is seeking to finalize the participation procedures for the Iranian national team, amid concerns over issuing US visas for players and the delegation. A meeting was held in Istanbul yesterday, Saturday, described as the most positive between the two sides, coinciding with Iran’s preparations to travel to Turkey for a training camp.
“Very constructive” meeting between FIFA and Iran
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom described the meeting that brought together FIFA officials with the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul on Saturday as “very constructive.”
The meeting aims to ensure Iran’s participation in the World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. A FIFA spokesperson said in a statement: “Our meeting with the Iranian Football Federation was very constructive. We are working together in close cooperation and look forward to welcoming the Islamic Republic of Iran to the World Cup.”
Grafstrom added that some operational matters were discussed, as is the case with all member associations, expressing his happiness with the fruitful discussions held. He noted that both the Iranian Federation and FIFA are very satisfied with the meeting and look forward to welcoming the Iranian national team to Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
Entry visas still pending
For his part, President of the Iranian Football Federation Mehdi Taj described Saturday’s meeting with FIFA as “positive and fruitful.” Taj confirmed in a statement published by FIFA that “each party was able to express its concerns while affirming its shared commitment to ensuring the Iranian national team’s participation in the World Cup.”
Taj had confirmed on Thursday that no entry visas have been issued for the Iranian national team yet, and that these procedures are expected to be completed in Turkey.
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— Nouvelles Afrique (@AfriquesN) May 17, 2026
Training camp in Turkey then Arizona
The meeting was held at the Turkish Football Federation headquarters, coinciding with the Iranian national team’s preparations to depart on Monday morning for Turkey to hold a training camp before heading to the United States, amid the ongoing conflict between Tehran and Washington.
Iran hopes to play two friendly matches in the Turkish city of Antalya, although only one match has been confirmed so far, against Gambia on May 29.
According to Sam Mehdi Zadeh, the Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that organizes friendly matches for the national team. After qualifying for the World Cup finals for the fourth consecutive time, Iran will hold its training camp in Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s matches at the 2026 World Cup
The Iranian national team begins its World Cup campaign in Group G, where it meets New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles. It then faces Belgium on June 21, before concluding its group stage matches against Egypt five days later in Seattle.
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