Iran's national football team has started a training camp in Turkey to prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a seven-week hiatus caused by regional conflicts. The Persian Gulf Pro League was suspended in February after US and Israeli strikes, leaving players inactive for nearly two months.
Preparation Challenges
Coach Amir Ghalenoei faces the challenge of bridging an estimated 20-25% fitness gap in a 2.5 to 3-week training camp. The limited preparation time requires intense sessions to get players match-ready before the tournament.
Squad Selection and Friendlies
The final 26-man squad must be submitted by June 1. Iran will play a friendly against Gambia on May 29 as a final tune-up. The team aims to use this match to assess player form and finalize selections.
World Cup Group Stage
Iran has been drawn into a tough group alongside New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Matches will be held in Los Angeles and Seattle in June 2026. The team hopes to advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
Travel Concerns
Iran's Football Federation is seeking guarantees from US authorities regarding the safe travel of players and staff, particularly concerning respect for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). These assurances are crucial for the team's participation in the tournament.
