Intro:
Iran’s national football team has departed for Turkey to play a final friendly match.
Tehran
Iran’s national football team left for Antalya, Turkey on Monday as they step up preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. The squad is scheduled to play a final friendly match before travelling to the United States for the global tournament, Iranian media reported.
According to reports, the travelling squad includes 22 domestic-based players along with the coaching staff. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that the team will also complete visa-related formalities for entry into the United States while staying in Turkey.
The team’s World Cup participation comes against a politically sensitive backdrop, with a fragile ceasefire still holding between Iran and the United States following a 40-day conflict that began earlier this year. Diplomatic relations between the two nations have remained strained since 1980, when the US severed ties after the Islamic Revolution and the hostage crisis at its embassy in Tehran.
Iran are expected to play two warm-up matches in Antalya, including a confirmed fixture against The Gambia on May 29. Officials involved in arranging the friendlies said discussions are ongoing for additional matches to fine-tune preparations ahead of the tournament.
However, logistical challenges remain. Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj stated that no US visas have yet been issued for the squad, and players may need to complete fingerprinting procedures in Turkey as part of the application process. Authorities are also trying to avoid additional travel between Antalya and Ankara to streamline formalities.
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström recently held discussions with Iranian football officials in Turkey, with both sides describing the meeting as positive and constructive. While details were not disclosed, the talks are believed to have focused on administrative and logistical arrangements for Iran’s participation.
Once in the United States, Iran will base themselves in Tucson, Arizona, for their World Cup campaign. Drawn in Group G, they will open their tournament against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.