FIFA Holds Talks With Iran Over 2026 World Cup Visa Arrangements

FIFA has held and is preparing further talks with Iran’s football federation to address lingering uncertainty over the national team’s travel and visa arrangements ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. The issue has gained urgency because Iran officials have said U.S. visas for players have not yet been issued, even as the tournament is scheduled to begin in less than a month.

On Saturday, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said he met with Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran’s federation (FFIRI), and described the discussions as constructive. Grafstrom said, “We’ve had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” adding that FIFA was working closely with the federation and “looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.” He did not provide details on the visa status for Iran’s squad, but said the two sides discussed operational matters and exchanged views on relevant concerns.

Iranian officials have linked the delays to entry restrictions tied to Iran’s military institutions. Taj, speaking to reporters, said the federation needed assurances because the visa issue has not been resolved and that...