FIFA officials to meet Iranian FA to discuss World Cup, says source

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A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11, in Mexico City, Mexico on May 15, 2026. —Reuters
A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11, in Mexico City, Mexico on May 15, 2026. —Reuters

FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom will meet Iranian FA (FFIRI) officials in Istanbul and offer “reassurance” over Iran’s participation in the World Cup, a source familiar with the talks has told Reuters.

Iran are scheduled to play all three World Cup group matches in the US but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the US and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

More questions arose after FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

The source said FIFA was working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure all teams at the World Cup were able to compete in a safe and secure environment.

A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11, in Mexico City, Mexico on May 15, 2026. —Reuters
A drone view of Banorte Stadium, temporarily renamed Mexico City Stadium (Estadio Ciudad de Mexico), as renovation work continues ahead of the World Cup, which begins June 11, in Mexico City, Mexico on May 15, 2026. —Reuters

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