Iran Begin US Journey Preparations

The Iran national football team is set to hold a training camp in Türkiye as part of its preparations ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The squad will depart for Antalya on Monday, where they will conduct training sessions, play friendly matches, and also complete the necessary procedures for obtaining United States visas. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the details on Saturday.

Iran had previously held a similar training camp in Antalya in March, which included both training sessions and friendly fixtures. The team is therefore returning to a familiar location for this next phase of preparation.

A total of 30 players have been included in the current camp, although only 26 players are permitted in the final World Cup squad. As a result, four players will need to be excluded before the final selection is confirmed. Among the squad is 33-year-old Mehdi Taremi, the former FC Porto striker, who currently plays for Olympiacos and remains one of the team’s most recognisable figures.

Coach Ghalenoei, speaking on the Iranian Football Federation’s official website, stated that selecting 30 players for the final pre-World Cup camp was one of the most difficult decisions of his coaching career.

Iran are also scheduled to play two friendly matches in Antalya. Iranian-Canadian businessman Sam Mehdizadeh, who is responsible for organising the team’s friendlies, confirmed that a match against Gambia has been finalised for 29 May.

The issue of United States visas remains unresolved. Iran and the United States have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1980, making the visa process more complicated. As a result, arrangements must be completed while the team is still in Türkiye.

Iran Football Federation president Mehdi Taj told domestic media that no visas have yet been issued. He also stated that players will be required to provide fingerprints as part of the application process. However, travelling to Ankara, which is more than 450 kilometres from Antalya, is being avoided due to logistical concerns.

Taj has indicated that he intends to discuss the matter with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Iranian authorities are also seeking assurances from FIFA regarding the safety of the national team amid regional tensions. Earlier, Taj and an Iranian delegation met the president of the Turkish Football Federation and FIFA’s secretary general in Istanbul to discuss preparations and logistical arrangements.

The Turkish Football Federation stated via social media that the meeting covered Iran’s pre-World Cup training camp in Türkiye and related preparations.

Upon arrival in the United States, Iran will establish its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. In Group G, Iran will begin its World Cup campaign against New Zealand on 15 June in Los Angeles. They will then face Belgium in the same city, before concluding their group fixtures against Egypt in Seattle.

Iran Preparation and Schedule