Iran has made significant progress towards securing their spot in the 2026 World Cup, as they travel to Turkey to commence their pre-tournament preparations. This development follows FIFA's recent assurances regarding their participation, alleviating concerns that could have impacted Italy.

Constructive Meeting in Istanbul

A meeting described as “constructive” took place in Istanbul between FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström and representatives from the Iranian federation. Grafström confirmed that Iran will be welcomed at the tournament, providing clarity amid ongoing geopolitical tensions that had previously cast doubt on their participation.

Preparation and Visa Applications

The Iranian team will establish an interim base in Antalya to finalize their visa applications before heading to the United States for the World Cup. This step is crucial for ensuring their readiness for the tournament.

With Iran's confirmed participation, speculation surrounding Italy's potential inclusion as a replacement can now be dismissed. Italy, having failed to qualify, was briefly considered due to their status as the highest-ranked nation not in the tournament. However, this notion was largely seen as an additional embarrassment for the Azzurri.