FIFA: Last-minute solutions for Iran to participate in the World Cup in the USA

Mattias Grafstrom, the Secretary General of FIFA, stated that the meeting with the President of the Iranian Football Federation (FFIRI), Mehdi Taj, was constructive, expressing confidence in Iran's participation in this year's World Cup, scheduled between June 11 and July 19.

Although Iran has matches scheduled in the United States, its participation has been called into question due to diplomatic tensions and the refusal of visas for officials with ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guards. Grafstrom avoided details about the visa situation, but mentioned positive discussions about operational aspects. Taj appreciated that FIFA listened to Iran's viewpoints and provided solutions. Iran requested to move the matches to Mexico, but FIFA insisted on holding them at the established locations. The Iranian team will go into training camp in Turkey before traveling to the USA for competition, where they will play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.