Tehran, Iran - Iran's national football team departed for Antalya, Turkey on Monday to play a final friendly match and process visa applications for entry into the United States for the 2026 World Cup.
The 22-player domestic-based squad, along with their coaching staff, is aiming to participate despite the United States and Israel launching a massive wave of attacks against Iran on February 28. A ceasefire has held for weeks, but peace talks remain stalled and fresh drone strikes over the weekend have heightened fears of a return to hostilities.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the team will complete US visa paperwork while in Turkey. US officials, including President Donald Trump, have publicly stated that the Iranian team is welcome at the tournament. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that any issues would pertain to non-player personnel, suggesting possible ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Iran's football federation previously canceled a trip to the FIFA congress in Canada after officials reported being "insulted" by Canadian immigration officers. Federation head Mehdi Taj, a former Revolutionary Guards member, told Iranian media on Thursday that no US visas have been issued yet.
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive meeting with the Iranian federation in Turkey on Saturday.
The team plans to set up its base camp in Tucson, Arizona. Iran is in Group G, opening against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium in Los Angeles and Egypt in Seattle.