ANTALYA: Iran national football team arrived in southern Turkey on Monday for a pre-World Cup training camp and visa processing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The Iranian squad, known as Team Melli, landed in the Turkish resort city of Antalya with 22 players and coaching staff. The team is expected to remain in Turkey for several weeks before travelling to the United States for the tournament.
Iran’s preparations come amid heightened regional tensions following recent conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Despite the political situation, FIFA has confirmed that Iran will play all of its group-stage matches in the United States.
Visa processing and friendly matches
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said the squad would use its stay in Turkey to complete visa applications, as Iran and the United States have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1980.
The team is also planning to play friendly matches during the training camp, including a reported fixture against Gambia national football team on May 29.
Iran secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup in March 2025 and will be based in Tucson, Arizona during the tournament. The team is scheduled to open its Group G campaign against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on June 15, before facing Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team.
Mixed reaction among supporters
While Iranian authorities recently organised a public send-off event for the team in Tehran, some citizens expressed frustration over the squad’s perceived relationship with the government.
Several residents interviewed by AFP said public enthusiasm around the national team had declined amid political tensions and ongoing regional instability.
Meanwhile, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom recently met officials from Iran’s football federation in Istanbul and described the discussions as constructive.
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