FIFA Confident Iran Will Play in 2026 World Cup Despite Visa Hurdles
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafström met with Iran Football Association chief Mehdi Taj in Istanbul and described their talks as excellent and constructive. They discussed visa arrangements and operational matters raised by Iran’s delegation after previous entry denials in Canada. Both sides say all ten concerns were addressed and solutions are in place. Iran remain scheduled to play three Group G matches in the United States next summer, with no plans to move fixtures. Team Melli will prepare in Turkiye before heading to Arizona ahead of their opening match in Los Angeles. Coach Amir Ghalenoei defended his 30-man squad selection, stressing it was based purely on technical criteria despite controversy over star striker Sardar Azmoun’s omission.
Use The App To Win ₦1m
Stories are shared by community members. This article does not represent the official view of NaijaWorld — the author is solely responsible for its content.