Story perspectives

Iran Secures 2026 World Cup Spot, Faces $625 M Security Plan

5/18/2026

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Summary

Grafström Confirms Iran

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström met Iran FA President Mehdi Taj to confirm Iran’s 2026 World Cup entry.
Iran will play New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in June 2026, base camp Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s 10-point plan seeks visas, security upgrades, flag display, anthem and press.
$625 million security operation led by task force chief Andrew Giuliani will protect the 11 host cities.
President Donald Trump said Iran is welcome, safety is uncertain.

Summary

Ghalenoei Omits Azmoun

Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei omitted striker Sardar Azmoun from the World Cup squad, citing injury.
The roster lists three goalkeepers—Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifeh—and 22 outfield players.
The team held a Mehrabad Airport farewell ceremony with jersey signing and a Quran send-off before leaving for Antalya.
FFIRI President Mehdi Taj was denied entry to Canada, prompting Iran’s request to move its group games to Mexico, which FIFA rejected.

History

Historical Context

In the 1998 World Cup, Iran faced the United States in Group F, losing 2-0 amid heightened Tehran-Washington tensions; FIFA President Sepp Blatter confirmed the match despite diplomatic pressure. The episode showed how politics can affect tournament logistics, a pattern that resurfaces today as Iran’s team confronts visa and security obstacles for upcoming qualifiers.

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Grafström Confirms Iran

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström met Iran FA President Mehdi Taj to confirm Iran’s 2026 World Cup entry.
Iran will play New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in June 2026, base camp Tucson, Arizona.
Iran’s 10-point plan seeks visas, security upgrades, flag display, anthem and press.
$625 million security operation led by task force chief Andrew Giuliani will protect the 11 host cities.
President Donald Trump said Iran is welcome, safety is uncertain.

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