Iran's football team arrived in Turkey on Monday for a training camp ahead of the World Cup, amid ongoing uncertainty over the nation's participation in the tournament. The squad's first match is scheduled against New Zealand in Los Angeles in less than a month, but the players are still awaiting visas to enter the United States.
Visa Delays and Political Tensions
The country's involvement has been thrown into doubt since the outbreak of war with the US and Israel in February. Uncertainty over visas intensified when Mehdi Taj, the president of Iran's football federation who is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was denied entry to the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month. The US and Canada, co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a terrorist entity and have made clear they will not admit individuals with ties to it.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sought to ease concerns, stating last month: "Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America." On Saturday, FIFA chief Mattias Grafstrom said he held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran's football association, expressing confidence about their participation.
Arrival in Turkey
Iran's squad arrived at Antalya Airport on Monday, with 22 players and officials filing out in black team outfits, many pulling black suitcases, before boarding waiting buses to their hotel in the nearby resort of Belek. The team will remain in Turkey for several weeks, aiming to play two friendlies, before traveling to the US, where they will be based in Arizona.
The team received a state send-off in Tehran on Wednesday, with fans displaying Hezbollah flags and singing anti-US chants. Iran had requested that its fixtures be moved from the US to Mexico, but FIFA rejected the request.
World Cup Schedule and Security Concerns
After facing New Zealand, Iran will take on Belgium at Los Angeles Stadium, followed by a final group game against Egypt in Seattle. Iran secured its World Cup spot in March 2025 by topping its qualification group. However, since then, Washington has launched two intensive bombing campaigns against the country. Peace talks between the US and Iran have stalled in recent weeks, with Iranian drone attacks on Gulf countries occurring on Sunday.
US officials have insisted Iran is welcome at the tournament. "Let 'em play," Donald Trump said in April. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted that any problem would not be with the players but "some of the other people (they) would want to bring with them."
Women's Team and Broader Context
A number of players from Iran's women's team were granted humanitarian visas in Australia in March to compete in the Women's Asian Cup, which began just days after the war broke out. Seven players were initially granted humanitarian visas, but five changed their minds and returned home. Fears about the team's safety grew after Iranian state TV branded them "war time traitors" who should be punished for refusing to sing the national anthem in their opening game against South Korea.
