Iran national team prepare in Türkiye under silence as base shifts to Mexico | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, Iran have opened a three-week World Cup camp in Antalya, Türkiye, at a lavish seaside hotel under a strict media blackout. Two friendlies are planned and the squad will fly to Mexico on 5 June after moving their base from Tucson to Tijuana.

After an internal friendly, players left in silence and one said he was not authorised to speak, a federation rule presented as focus. Tehran said the United States bombed the south despite a ceasefire, and Iran was reported to have retaliated against a US base.

Opponents highlight Sardar Azmoun’s omission after he backed January protests and posed with Dubai’s emir. Journalists suggested a recall is possible. He has since professed love for Iran and a vice-president urged inclusion, while the coach works from a 31-man group before a 1 June deadline.

On 21 May the squad went to Ankara to seek visas for Canada and the United States, then switched their base to Tijuana. Federation president Mehdi Taj cited proximity to Los Angeles, where Iran face New Zealand before Egypt in Seattle, and said entering via Mexico should ease visa issues while urging FIFA to sort the process.

Before leaving Türkiye, Iran play Gambia on Friday and Mali on 4 June at the training ground. Agent Sam Medizadeh, involved in arranging the games, said it was difficult, with many European teams staying home and some declining due to the context, while Donald Trump signalled acceptance of their presence, though the welcome remains uncertain.

Source: L'Équipe