A secret meeting in Istanbul decides Iran’s fate in the World Cup

The General Secretary of the International Football Federation (FIFA), Matthias Grafström, trying to end the uncertainty surrounding the participation of the Iranian national team in the 2026 World Cup, will have a meeting with the officials of the Iranian Football Federation in Istanbul today, Saturday.

Visa crisis threatens participation

Although Iran has officially qualified for the World Cup, its participation has been in doubt since the Zionist Organization attacked the US on Iranian soil late last February, especially since all three of the Persian Lions’ group stage matches will be played on American soil.

The crisis deepened after the president of Iran’s soccer federation, Mehdi Taj, was denied entry to Canada to attend the FIFA General Assembly in Vancouver in early May this year due to ties to Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, according to Canadian authorities.

“The credibility of the World Cup is at risk.”

Kazem Gharibabadi, Iran’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Legal and International Affairs, warned with sharp statements that any obstacle to the entry of the Iranian delegation would harm the credibility of the tournament.

Last week he wrote on social networks. “The Iranian national team has earned its right to participate on the field in accordance with FIFA regulations… Any obstruction to the access of players, technical staff or officials will violate the spirit and objectives of the World Cup.”

He added: “If the organizing body cannot guarantee the entry of all qualified teams, including Iran, without discrimination or restrictions, the credibility of the World Cup will be seriously damaged.”

FIFA. “We work to provide a safe environment”

For its part, a source familiar with the matter confirmed to Reuters that FIFA is working in close coordination with the relevant authorities to ensure that all participating teams can compete in a safe and secure environment.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino rejected Iran’s request to move the national team’s games to Mexico, insisting that all matches be held in previously designated stadiums.

“I don’t mind sharing.”

In a notable development, US President Donald Trump said two weeks ago that he was “not opposed” to Iran participating in the World Cup, despite high tensions between the two countries following airstrikes on the Islamic Republic.

Turkish camp before leaving for America

On a technical level, Iran’s national team is scheduled to leave Tehran next Monday for a training camp in Turkey before returning to its official headquarters at the Keno Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, USA, in early June.

Iran’s FIFA World Cup matches begin on June 15 against New Zealand in a group that also includes Belgium and Egypt.