Iran Begin World Cup Preparations and Visa Processing

The Iran national football team is scheduled to depart for Antalya, Turkey, on Monday to commence a critical training camp ahead of the FIFA World Cup. The squad will utilise the camp to undergo intensive training sessions, play international friendly matches, and complete the necessary administrative processing for United States entry visas. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed the itinerary on Saturday, noting that the team is returning to Antalya following a previous training camp and friendly fixture held there in March.

Squad Selection and Trimming

Coach Ghalenoei has selected a 30-man provisional squad for the Turkish training camp. However, FIFA regulations dictate that final World Cup squads must be limited to a maximum of 26 players, requiring the coaching staff to omit four individuals before the tournament begins.

The most prominent figure in the current selection is 33-year-old striker Mehdi Taremi. The former Porto forward currently plays club football for Olympiacos. Commenting on the selection process on the official Iranian Football Federation website, Ghalenoei stated:

“Selecting 30 players for this final camp ahead of the World Cup was the most difficult decision of my coaching career.”

Friendly Fixtures and Logistics

Iran plans to play two friendly matches during their stay in Antalya. Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian businessman responsible for organising the team’s friendly fixtures, confirmed that a match against Gambia has been finalised for 29 May.

The logistical arrangements are complicated by ongoing diplomatic factors. The United States and Iran have maintained no official diplomatic relations since 1980, meaning the squad must complete their US visa applications whilst stationed in Turkey.

Mehdi Taj, the president of the Iranian Football Federation, informed domestic media on Thursday that no visas have been issued thus far. The application process requires players to submit biometric data, specifically fingerprints. However, because the return distance between Antalya and the US Embassy in Ankara exceeds 450 kilometres, the team is reluctant to undertake the journey.

Security Concerns and FIFA Discussions

In light of heightened tensions from ongoing geopolitical conflicts, Tehran is seeking formal security guarantees from FIFA regarding the safety of the national team. Mehdi Taj has expressed his intention to discuss these matters directly with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

On Saturday, Taj and an Iranian delegation held a meeting in Istanbul with Ibrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu, the president of the Turkish Football Federation, and Mattias Grafström, the FIFA Secretary General. Following the proceedings, the Turkish Football Federation issued a statement on social media, noting:

“During this meeting, the training camp and preparations of the Iran national team in Turkey ahead of the World Cup were discussed.”

Tournament Schedule and Group G Fixtures

Upon their arrival in the United States, the Iranian team will establish their primary training base in Tucson, Arizona. Iran has been drawn into Group G for the tournament. Their opening fixture will take place on 15 June against New Zealand in Los Angeles, followed by subsequent group stage matches against Belgium and Egypt.