Published：Apr 30, 16:00Last updated：May 16, 20:50

Iran Secures FIFA Talks Over World Cup Participation Conditions

Apr. 30, 2026 16:00

On April 30, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, that Iran will participate in the World Cup and play their matches in the United States. This statement was made as part of the preparations for the upcoming tournament.

Summarized

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May. 16, 2026 08:16

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström will meet with Iranian football federation representatives to discuss guarantees for Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup. Iran has raised concerns about safety due to geopolitical tensions with the US, where some matches are scheduled. FIFA has confirmed Iran's participation, but details are still being negotiated.

May. 16, 2026 20:50

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom reported constructive discussions with Iran's FA president Mehdi Taj about Iran's participation in the upcoming 2026 World Cup. The tournament is scheduled to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The talks aimed to ensure smooth involvement of Iran in the event. The meeting occurred on May 16, 2026.

Iran's football federation has confirmed its participation in the 2026 World Cup following crucial negotiations with FIFA leadership, while maintaining demands for visa guarantees and security assurances. FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom met with Iranian officials in Istanbul on May 16 to address concerns about player safety and travel restrictions, particularly for individuals affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The discussions occurred against the backdrop of a fragile US-Iran ceasefire and Canada's previous refusal to grant entry to Iranian football officials.Chosun Ilbo+2

🏟️ Visa Guarantees Finalized

FIFA has committed to facilitating visa approvals for all Iranian players and staff, including those with IRGC ties, after marathon negotiations in Istanbul. The federation's president Mehdi Taj secured written assurances during the May 16 meeting, though specific security arrangements remain confidential. These guarantees overcome Canada's earlier objections that nearly derailed Iran's participation.RIA Novosti+2

🌍 Diplomatic Breakthroughs

The Istanbul talks marked a significant thaw in football diplomacy, with Grafstrom personally intervening to reassure Iranian officials about tournament safety. This follows months of tension after Canada's 2023 visa denial to FFIRI officials and US travel restrictions imposed during the Trump administration. Both FIFA and Iranian state media characterized the discussions as "constructive".The Independent+2

⚽ Tournament Preparations Accelerate

With participation confirmed, Iran's Group G matches against Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand will proceed as scheduled across North American venues. The federation has shifted focus to logistical preparations, including security coordination for high-profile games in US stadiums. FIFA maintains all host city assignments will remain unchanged despite earlier geopolitical concerns.RIA Novosti+2
UPDATE DECISION:
The content was updated to reflect:

FIFA's direct involvement through Secretary-General Grafstrom's Istanbul meeting
Concrete progress on visa guarantees
Shift from demands to confirmed participation
Removal of outdated references to May 20 deadline
Added context about US-Iran ceasefire
Incorporated new diplomatic developments
Maintained core structure while refreshing all sections with verified outcomes

VancouverDonald TrumpFIFA CongressGianni InfantinoIran national football team

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Coverage focuses on Iran's confirmation of participation in the 2026 World Cup and its insistence on visa guarantees for Revolutionary Guard veterans.