Iran’s World Cup saga fuels talk of coaches; Amir Ghalenoei, Iran’s seasoned coach, is at the helm amid visa and World Cup draw drama. Born 1963, former player turned top Iran Pro League coach.
Iran's national soccer team wore backpacks and black armbands before a match in Turkey to honor children killed in a US-led missile strike on a school in Iran. The attack, on February 28, killed over 165 people, mostly children. Iran requests to move World Cup matches from the US due to safety concerns, but FIFA aims to keep the schedule unchanged.
Iran has confirmed its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the US despite ongoing conflict with the US and Israel. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has rejected Iran's request to move matches from the US to Mexico, insisting games will proceed as scheduled in Los Angeles and Seattle. Iran's team is preparing in Arizona ahead of the tournament starting June 11.
Iran’s home-based players have begun a training camp in Turkey as they prepare for three World Cup group-stage games in the United States, with Azmoun notably absent from the squad amid controversy and recent political tensions.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
Iran’s World Cup participation has faced visa hurdles amid US-Iran tensions. Officials say players, coaches and some staff have visas, while some backroom staff remain visa-free. Iran moved training from Arizona to Tijuana and will play group games in the United States, Seattle and Los Angeles, with the federation pursuing FIFA-led resolution.
Iran's national football team has landed in Tijuana after training in Turkey and has secured U.S. visas for players only. Fifteen technical and administrative staff have been denied U.S. entry. Under visa conditions the squad will operate from a Mexican base and will cross into the United States around match days for their Group G fixtures in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Iran’s Group G opener against New Zealand in Los Angeles is shaping up amid backdrop of US-Iran conflict, visa row, and protests. Iran moved base camps to Mexico; security is tight as fans and diplomats watch closely.
Iran’s World Cup campaign is unfolding amid visa delays, travel disruptions and anticipated protests in Los Angeles. Team Melli has faced logistical challenges since arriving from their Mexico base, with players and staff highlighting tensions that have affected preparations.