Iran’s national football team has travelled to Turkey for a final set of friendly matches before departing for the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Iranian media reported on Monday.
Image: TRT World
According to the Tasnim news agency, the squad left for Antalya, where it will play its final warm-up fixtures before heading to the United States for the tournament, which is being jointly hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
The travelling squad includes 22 domestic-based players along with the coaching staff.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said on Saturday that the team would also complete visa-related formalities for entry into the United States while in Turkey.
Iran are expected to play at least two friendlies in Antalya, including a confirmed match against The Gambia on May 29, according to officials involved in arranging the fixtures.
Football federation officials said visa approvals for the US had not yet been finalised, with players expected to undergo fingerprinting procedures in Turkey as part of the process.
The team will establish its World Cup base camp in Tucson, Arizona, after arriving in the United States.
Iran are placed in Group G and are scheduled to begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.
Iran’s participation in the tournament comes amid ongoing diplomatic tensions with the United States, although officials have described recent FIFA-mediated discussions as constructive.
