Iran Confirms 30-Man Preliminary Squad Heading to Turkey for World Cup Preparations and Visa Processing

Iran national football team will hold a pre-World Cup camp in Antalya, Turkey, as coach Amir Ghalenoei trims his squad. Led by Mehdi Taremi, the camp also allows players to complete US visa procedures ahead of the 2026 tournament, with friendlies including a clash against Gambia scheduled.

Daniel Momodu · May 17, 2026 · 119

Iran's national football team is set to depart for Antalya, Turkey, on Monday to begin their final training camp ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vanguard reports.

Head coach Amir Ghalenoei has selected a preliminary 30-man squad for the camp, a roster that will eventually be trimmed down to the definitive 26-player World Cup limit. Ghalenoei admitted to the Iranian football federation's official website that narrowing down the squad for this critical phase was the most difficult technical decision of his managerial career, stressing that his choices were based strictly on technical criteria. The traveling contingent features highly experienced veterans, headlined by 33-year-old former Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, who currently plays for Greek side Olympiacos.

Beyond on-the-pitch preparations, the trip to Turkey serves a critical logistical purpose. Because Iran and the United States have not maintained diplomatic relations since 1980, "Team Melli" will utilize the camp to complete the fingerprinting and mandatory administrative procedures required to secure their US entry visas. Iranian football federation head Mehdi Taj confirmed that no visas have been issued yet, adding that they are currently working to arrange for the fingerprinting process to happen locally in Antalya to spare the players a 450-kilometer trek to the embassy in Ankara.

In addition to diplomatic logistics, Taj met with Turkish football federation officials and FIFA representatives in Istanbul to assess camp infrastructure. He is also scheduled to hold high-level talks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino to obtain firm security and logistical assurances for the squad amid heightened geopolitical tensions. Iran is scheduled to play two friendlies during their stay in Antalya, including a confirmed fixture against Gambia on May 29, before heading to their tournament base camp in Tucson, Arizona, ahead of their Group G opener against New Zealand on June 15.