TEHRAN — Iran’s national football team is in final preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which opens June 11 with 48 teams competing for the first time at a tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Alongside on-field performance, diplomatic tensions and logistical security are weighing on this World Cup campaign as never before.
On Wednesday, May 13, Iran’s national team was given a colorful send-off at Tehran’s historic Azadi Square, where the team’s new jersey and a theme song were unveiled before thousands of supporters.
Players and fans showed mixed emotions at the ceremony. Some see the trip as purely a football matter, while many regard Iran’s participation in the United States itself as a symbolic success.
State media outlet IRNA reported that the team will travel to Antalya, Turkey, on May 18 for a conditioning camp before the World Cup. The team will play two friendlies there, including a confirmed match against Gambia on May 29. A friendly in the United States is also planned before the tournament begins.
Officials at the Iran Football Federation have faced visa and travel difficulties because of diplomatic complications, sources said. FIFA has expressed regret and promised separate talks on the matter.
Federation chief Mehdi Taj said Iran has no political dispute with the United States and is going to the World Cup based on qualification on merit. Discussions are under way to simplify the visa process and arrange chartered flights, he said.
Iran has been drawn in Group G with Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand.
The team’s first match is June 16 in Los Angeles against New Zealand, followed by Belgium on June 21. The final group match is against Egypt on June 26 in Seattle.
Analysts said international pressure and the political climate could add to the psychological burden on players, but past experience suggests such adversity often makes the Iranian side more unified and combative.
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