FIFA says it held positive talks with Iran ahead of World Cup
Key takeaways
- Issued on: 16/05/2026 - 22:50Modified: 16/05/2026 - 23:01
- By: FRANCE 24 Members of Iran's national football team attend a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Tehran on May 13, 2026.
- "We've had an excellent meeting and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA," Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul.
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FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom said Saturday he held a constructive meeting with the president of Iran's FA Mehdi Taj regarding Iran’s participation in the World Cup which is set to take place this summer in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Issued on: 16/05/2026 - 22:50Modified: 16/05/2026 - 23:01
By: FRANCE 24 Members of Iran's national football team attend a farewell ceremony ahead of their departure for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, in Tehran on May 13, 2026. © Atta Kenare, AFP FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran's FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, he told Reuters, expressing confidence about the country's participation at this year's World Cup.