Iran's team leaves for Turkey, will also get US visas from there

Iran’s national football team has left for Turkey to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team, which consists of 22 local players and a coaching staff, will hold a training camp in Antalya and will also play two warm-up matches. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei said that the players will submit their US visa applications in Turkey itself, as this is not possible from Iran due to the lack of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The World Cup is taking place at a time when tensions between America and Iran are at their peak. Iran had earlier proposed holding its matches in Mexico instead of America, but FIFA refused to change the schedule. US President Trump had said that Iran should be allowed to play, but US officials also said that the problem may not be the players but the possible political connections of some officials.

Iran’s participation has become stronger after recent meetings between FIFA and the Iranian Football Federation. Iran will play against New Zealand, Belgium and Egypt in the group stage.