Iran’s national football team, known as Team Melli, has signaled its readiness for the upcoming FIFA World Cup through social media posts showing players in a new home kit and training at an undisclosed location. Videos shared on Monday revealed a photo shoot featuring key players such as goalkeeper Alireza Safar Beiranvand and winger Milad Mohammadi. The team is currently training in Iran and will soon travel to Turkiye for three friendly matches before heading to the United States, where all their Group G matches will be played.

Iran’s participation had been uncertain following the outbreak of war between the US, Israel, and Iran on February 28, raising safety concerns and questions about the US’s role as host. However, FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed at the FIFA Congress in Canada that Iran will compete and play its matches in the US, a position later supported by former President Donald Trump. Assistant coach Saeed Alhoei outlined the team’s preparation schedule, including an intra-squad match using VAR technology to simulate tournament conditions.

Iran will open its campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15, followed by matches against Belgium and Egypt. The team suffered a setback as winger Ali Gholizadeh sustained a season-ending knee injury while playing for his Polish club.