A constructive dialogue in Istanbul
FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom met with Mehdi Taj, the head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran, in Istanbul on Thursday. The encounter was described as positive and constructive, with both sides exchanging views on a range of operational matters that have threatened Iran's participation in the upcoming World Cup.
Taj had been denied entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver and voiced frustration over what he called “unacceptable behaviour of immigration officials,” despite holding valid visas. Canada’s recent designation of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization added another layer of complexity to the delegation’s travel plans.
During the meeting, Grafstrom listened to Iran’s concerns and offered concrete solutions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was present, reiterated that all matches must be played at the venues originally scheduled, reinforcing the tournament’s logistical framework.
Following the discussion, Iran confirmed that its three group‑stage fixtures will be held in the United States. The Iranian squad will first travel to a training camp in Turkey before moving to their base in Tucson, Arizona, where they will prepare for the tournament.
The team is slated to face New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in Group G, a lineup that promises competitive matches as the World Cup approaches. With the visa issues largely resolved, attention now turns to tactical preparation and fine‑tuning the roster.