Iranian officials to travel to FIFA HQ for World Cup talks ahead of deadline

Infantino stated on Thursday that Iran will be competing at this summer's World Cup -Credit:Elizabeth Ruiz Ruiz - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom has set a deadline of May 20 for an Iranian delegation to make their way to Zurich, Switzerland, to hold talks, according to the Associated Press. "Our position is that we will soon have a meeting with FIFA," Taj told Iranian media on Friday.

Iran are planning to be based in Tucson, Arizona, while in the United States ahead of two games in Los Angeles and one in Seattle. Their presence at the tournament is now being welcomed by U.S. President Donald Trump.

After initially stating it wouldn't be "appropriate" for the Iranians to participate "for their own life and safety", Trump reversed course on Thursday.

"You know what, let them play," he remarked after learning that FIFA president Gianni Infantino stated that Iran would be competing in the World Cup.

"Gianni is fantastic, he's a friend of mine, he talked about it, I said, 'You do whatever you want.' You can have them, you don't have to have them, they probably have a good team. Do they have a good team, do you have any idea?"

Addressing the FIFA Congress, Infantino declared: "Of course, Iran will be participating at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and of course Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is very simple, dear friends, is because we have to unite. We have to bring people together. It is my responsibility."

Despite a ceasefire holding since early April, relations remain strained between the U.S. and Iran, with the closure of the Straight of Hormuz continuing. Speaking on Friday, Trump commented: "We just had a conversation with Iran. Let's see what happens. But, I would say that I am not happy."