Iran World Cup Squad Arrives in Turkey Ahead of Training Camp and Visa Process

Iran national football team arrived in southern Turkey on Monday to begin a pre-World Cup training camp and complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The 22-man delegation, including players and coaching staff from Team Melli, landed in the Turkish resort city of Antalya, where AFP correspondents observed members of the squad leaving the airport dressed in navy blue tracksuits.

Iran are expected to remain in Turkey for several weeks before travelling to the tournament in North America, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

The team’s preparations come amid ongoing regional tensions following military conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States earlier this year. Although a ceasefire has been in place since 8 April, uncertainty remains over the long-term stability of the situation.

Despite the geopolitical tensions, Iran are still expected to base themselves in Arizona during the World Cup and will play all three of their group-stage fixtures in the United States.

Reports suggest the squad are planning to play two friendly matches during their stay in Antalya, including a scheduled fixture against The Gambia national football team on 29 May.

The arrangements are reportedly being coordinated by Iranian-Canadian organiser Sam Mehdizadeh, who is also working to secure an additional warm-up match before the tournament.

Iran and the United States have not maintained formal diplomatic relations since 1980, and head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that the team would also use their time in Turkey to complete visa procedures required for entry into the United States.

Mixed Reactions Among Supporters

Last week, Iranian authorities organised an official send-off ceremony for the national team in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, with state television showing large crowds waving flags and cheering the players.

However, reactions among some supporters have reportedly been divided.

A 19-year-old student from Tehran, identified as Sepehr, told AFP that many Iranians no longer feel connected to the national team.

“This team is not, for many people, representative of the Iranian people,” he said.

“In the minds of many, it has become the team of the Islamic Republic rather than the people.”

Another Tehran resident, Mehrshad, also suggested there was growing disillusionment among sections of the public, although he acknowledged the pressure facing the players.

“I do not think anyone expected such a divide between the people and their national team,” he reportedly said.

“At the same time, I believe the players are also under enormous pressure.”

He added that many fans had lost enthusiasm for this summer’s tournament and admitted some supporters would even celebrate if Iran were eliminated.

FIFA and United States Maintain Tournament Position

Iran secured qualification for the World Cup in March 2025, but relations between Tehran and Washington have remained tense following recent military developments.

Despite concerns surrounding the political climate, American officials have repeatedly insisted that Iran will be permitted to participate in the tournament.

Donald Trump previously dismissed suggestions that Iran should be excluded from the competition, stating: “Let them play.”

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested any concerns would relate not to the players themselves, but potentially to individuals travelling alongside the delegation.

Earlier this month, officials from Iran Football Federation reportedly cancelled plans to attend the FIFA Congress in Canada after claiming they had been mistreated by immigration officials.

Federation president Mehdi Taj, who is travelling with the squad, later met with Mattias Grafström in Istanbul, with FIFA describing the discussions as constructive.

Iran’s base camp for the tournament will be located in Tucson, Arizona.

The Asian side, who have been drawn in Group G, will begin their World Cup campaign against New Zealand national football team in Los Angeles on 15 June before further matches against Belgium national football team and Egypt national football team.