Iran’s national football team has departed for Turkey as part of preparations to complete visa procedures for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Iranian media reports. The Tasnim news agency stated that the team traveled to Antalya to play a preparatory friendly match and to finalize their U.S. visa applications. The squad includes 22 players from the domestic league along with coaching staff. Head coach Amir Ghalenoei confirmed that visa applications for travel to the United States would be completed during their stay in Turkey.

U.S. authorities have indicated that Iran faces no restrictions on participating in the tournament. FIFA has also confirmed that the 2026 World Cup will proceed as scheduled and rejected proposals to move some of Iran’s matches to Mexico or Canada. Iran had previously suggested relocating its matches from the United States to co-host nations, but that request was not accepted.

The team’s stay in Turkey is expected to facilitate both match preparation and the completion of necessary travel documentation for the upcoming tournament.