By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Iran’s national football team will travel to Turkey on Monday for a training camp, friendly matches, and United States visa processing ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the move on Saturday, while federation president Mehdi Taj revealed that players must complete fingerprinting procedures in Turkey before entering the US. The squad will camp in Antalya before opening their World Cup campaign against New Zealand on June 15 in Los Angeles.
Iran Chooses Turkey for Visa Procedures
Iran’s football federation selected Antalya, Turkey, for the team’s final World Cup preparations. Officials also want players to complete visa applications there before flying to the United States.
According to Taj, players were expected to travel to Ankara for fingerprinting. However, the federation hopes to avoid the 450-kilometre journey from Antalya.
Taj also plans to meet FIFA president Gianni Infantino to discuss guarantees for Iran’s squad amid rising regional tensions.
Iran and the United States ended diplomatic relations in 1980. Therefore, players must complete special visa procedures before entering the country.
Team Melli Plans Friendlies in Antalya
Iran will use the Antalya camp to sharpen preparations for the tournament. The team has already confirmed a friendly match against Gambia on May 29.
Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian sports organiser, said discussions continue for another friendly fixture.
Team Melli previously trained in Antalya during March. Coaches believe the familiar environment will help players settle quickly.
Final Squad Selection Creates Tough Decisions
Ghalenoei named a provisional 30-man squad for the camp. However, FIFA rules allow only 26 players for the World Cup.
The coach admitted selecting the squad was extremely difficult.
“Selecting 30 players for this final training camp ahead of the World Cup was the most difficult technical decision of my coaching career,” Ghalenoei said.
He also stressed that every selection was based strictly on technical quality and performance.
One of the squad’s biggest names is veteran striker Mehdi Taremi, the former Porto forward who now plays for Olympiacos.
Iran’s 2026 World Cup Fixtures
Iran will base their World Cup camp in Tucson, Arizona, after arriving in the United States.
The Asian side opens Group G against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They will then face Belgium in the same city before meeting Egypt in Seattle.
The tournament marks another major World Cup appearance for Team Melli as they seek progress beyond the group stage.
