Team Melli is gearing up for the World Cup with a strategic training camp in Turkey, setting the stage for what promises to be a historic campaign on American soil. According to local media reports on Friday, Iran's national football team will head to Antalya, Turkey, for a crucial phase of pre-tournament preparation before flying to their World Cup base in Tucson, Arizona.
The Iranian Football360 website confirmed that Antalya will host the squad's next training block—a familiar setting, as the team trained and played matches there back in March. This location offers ideal conditions for fine-tuning tactics and building chemistry ahead of the tournament.
While the exact departure date from Tehran remains unconfirmed, Iranian sports outlet Varzesh3 reports the team is expected to leave as early as Saturday. The camp will also serve a dual purpose: players will undergo visa procedures for entry into the United States, a logistical hurdle that has become a major talking point.
On the pitch, Iran has locked in a friendly against Gambia on May 29, with agent Sam Mehdizadeh confirming the date. "It is confirmed for 29 May," said Mehdizadeh, who organizes international friendlies for the national team. The squad is also hoping to schedule a second warm-up match against an opponent yet to be determined, giving fans plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Antalya.
The buildup has already generated significant excitement back home. On Wednesday, a send-off ceremony in Tehran's Enghelab Square saw players in red and black tracksuits presented on stage to roaring crowds, as captured on state TV. The energy is palpable, and supporters are eager to see their team compete on the world's biggest stage.
However, off-field challenges remain. Iran football federation chief Mehdi Taj revealed on Thursday that no visas have been issued yet for the team to enter the United States, citing ongoing tensions following the late February strikes that marked the start of a wider Middle East war. "We have not received any account from the other side regarding who has been granted visas. No visas have been issued yet," Taj stated, according to IRNA state news agency. He is expected to hold talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino to seek assurances for the squad amid these geopolitical hurdles.
Adding to the logistical puzzle, Taj noted that players must undergo fingerprinting as part of the visa process—a requirement that would normally mean a 450-kilometer (280-mile) trip from Antalya to Ankara. The federation is working to arrange for the procedure to be completed in Antalya instead, aiming to minimize disruption to the team's training schedule.
As Iran prepares for its World Cup campaign, all eyes are on Antalya, where the squad will look to sharpen its game and overcome these challenges. For fans and gear enthusiasts alike, this is a team ready to make a statement—and we'll be following every step of their journey.