Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Mattias Grafstrom across Football.
Iran’s national football team is heading to Turkey for a final friendly and visa processing ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, navigating geopolitical strain and U.S. assurances of welcome.
FIFA Secretary‑General Mattias Grafstrom met with Mehdi Taj, reaffirming support for Iran’s World Cup campaign despite visa and political hurdles.
A constructive dialogue in Istanbul between FIFA and Iran's football leadership has cleared major obstacles, ensuring Iran's matches will be played in the United States while the squad trains in Turkey before heading to Tucson.
A constructive meeting between FIFA’s Mattias Grafstrom and Iran’s Mehdi Taj highlighted confidence in Iran’s participation, even as visa disputes and geopolitical tensions loom over the team’s preparations.