Iran National Team Arrives in Turkey Ahead of World Cup Amid War Tensions
Iran’s national football team, known as “Team Melli,” has arrived in the Turkish resort city of Antalya as they begin preparations for the upcoming global tournament, playing under the shadow of ongoing regional tensions and political uncertainty.
The 22-man squad, along with coaching and support staff, were seen leaving Antalya airport dressed in navy blue tracksuits after landing for their pre-tournament training camp.
The team is expected to spend several weeks in Turkey, where they will fine-tune preparations and complete administrative processes, including visa arrangements ahead of the tournament in the United States.
Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that the squad will also play a series of friendly matches in Antalya, including a planned game against The Gambia on May 29. A second friendly is also being arranged, according to organisers involved in coordinating international fixtures.
Iran will be based in Arizona during the tournament and will play all three of their group-stage matches there, despite heightened geopolitical tensions linked to the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. A ceasefire declared in April has brought temporary calm, but concerns remain over possible renewed hostilities.
In recent weeks, diplomatic tensions have deepened, with renewed drone activity in parts of the Gulf and fresh political warnings from international leaders raising fears that the situation could escalate again.
Iran and the United States have not had formal diplomatic relations since 1980, adding further complexity to the team’s travel and participation arrangements.
According to team officials, the training camp in Turkey is also being used to help players complete necessary visa documentation before travelling to the U.S.
Meanwhile, reactions back home in Iran remain divided. While some supporters celebrated the team during a send-off ceremony in Tehran’s Enghelab Square, others have criticised the squad, accusing it of not truly representing the public.
Some critics described the team as being too closely aligned with state structures, while others expressed frustration over the broader political situation affecting national morale.
Despite the mixed sentiment, the team continues its preparations and is expected to begin its World Cup campaign in the United States later this month, with group-stage matches scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle.
