TEHRAN: Iran's football team arrived in Türkiye on Monday for a training camp and to complete visa applications ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The 22 players and coaching staff flew into Antalya, where they were seen in navy blue tracksuits. The team will stay several weeks before heading to the global tournament co-hosted by the United States, which has been bombing Iran since Feb 28 alongside Israel.
The team will be based in Tucson, Arizona and play all three group matches in the US despite the war, paused by an April 8 ceasefire. But stalled negotiations, new drone attacks on Gulf states, and threats from President Trump have raised fears of renewed fighting.
Iran secured their World Cup spot in March 2025. US officials insist Iran is welcome at the tournament. Trump said, "I think let 'em play." Secretary of State Marco Rubio cautioned that issues may arise with others in the delegation possibly tied to the Revolutionary Guards.
No visas have been issued yet. FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom met with the federation in Türkiye, calling it constructive.
The team, in Group G, opens against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, then faces Belgium and Egypt.