Tag: Antalya

Political Tensions Force Iranian Delegation to Rethink US World Cup Trip

The escalating political situation and the ongoing hostilities between the United States and Iran have forced the Iranian official delegation to reconsider its plans to accompany Team Melli to the 2026 World Cup in the United States.

It is standard practice for all participating nations to send an official delegation alongside their national team during the World Cup. These delegations typically include officials responsible for public relations, diplomacy, player support, and promotional activities. However, this year’s tournament, hosted by a hostile adversary that has attacked the country along with Israel, has introduced unprecedented complications.

Sources suggest that the government in Tehran has actively discouraged the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) from sending a large delegation. This caution stems in part from a recent episode involving Mehdi Taj, the head of the FFIRI, who encountered difficulties while transiting through Canada en route to the FIFA Annual Conference. That incident has reportedly heightened concerns among Iranian officials about traveling through North America.

From Tehran’s perspective, the United States remains a hostile nation capable of taking adverse actions against visiting Iranian officials. Fears range from arrests and politically motivated trials to systematic harassment at airports. Even if delegation members obtain legitimate U.S. visas, many Iranian officials believe that movement restrictions, prolonged interrogations, and public humiliation at points of entry are all but foregone conclusions.

Board Members Reluctant to Travel

As is customary, the FFIRI initially nominated several members of its Board of Directors to travel to the United States and accompany the national team during the tournament. However, it now appears that none of the board members are willing to make the trip and take risks.

To date, three board members—Ali Khatir, Heydar Baharvand, and Mohammad Rahman Salari, have officially canceled their travel plans to the United States. Six other members, Farideh Shojaei, Hojjat Karimi, Farzin Dabiri, Mohammad Esfandiarpour, Tahmoorth Heydari, and Ali Taheri, have yet to confirm their participation, and sources indicate they are unlikely to do so.

The sole exception is Mehdi Mohammad Nabi, the only board member currently present with Team Melli at their training camp in Antalya, Turkey. Serving as the national team’s manager, Nabi holds a dual role that involves direct oversight of the team’s day-to-day operations. While he remains committed to traveling to the United States, there is no guarantee he will be spared the difficulties expected to await Iranian officials on American soil.

Team’s Preparatory Schedule

Meanwhile, the national football team is continuing its preparations abroad. After completing their current phase of training in Turkey, Team Melli will travel to Mexico for the third stage of their pre-World Cup camp, based in Tijuana. From there, the squad is scheduled to fly directly to the United States for the tournament matches.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, the absence of a full official delegation could impact not only logistical coordination but also Iran’s diplomatic and public relations presence at the world’s most-watched sporting event.

Team Melli departs to Turkey.

TEHRAN – Team Melli, the Iranian national football team, departed for Antalya, Turkey, this morning (Monday, May 18, 2026) to commence a crucial training camp and a friendly match against Gambia. The provisional squad consists of 30 players, 22 domestic-based and eight legionnaires. However, with FIFA mandating a final roster of just 26 players, four will be cut following the camp.

Upon concluding their Turkish preparations, the squad is scheduled to move to their U.S. base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona, in early June, before heading to California for their first two World Cup matches. Team Melli manager Mohammad Nabi has indicated the possibility of facing another African side after Gambia, while expressing hope that the previously canceled friendly against Puerto Rico, originally planned on U.S. soil, might be revived.

Visa Hurdles Loom Large

Yet overshadowing these plans is a growing concern over entry to the United States. As of now, no member of the Iranian delegation, players or staff, has been granted permission to enter the country. The possibility that some staff members or players could be denied a U.S. visa remains very real, casting a pall over the team’s logistical preparations.

When asked whether FIFA had secured any assurances regarding entry and visa arrangements for Iran’s players, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate. His reticence signaled that the world football governing body may have little to no influence on such matters, despite public assurances previously given by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

A Troubling Precedent

Compounding these anxieties is the recent experience of Mehdi Taj, the head of Iran’s football federation, who encountered significant difficulties entering Canada for a FIFA conference. Although Canada is only fractionally less hostile to Iran than the United States, the incident serves as a stark warning of the type of challenges the Iranian delegation will likely face when attempting to enter North America.

For a squad already grappling with a plethora of issues, ranging from finalizing the roster to managing political pressures and logistical hurdles, the threat of visa denials represents an added burden before a single ball is even kicked in the World Cup.

Iran announces preliminary 30 players list for the World Cup.

Agence France-Presse

Iran’s World Cup squad will travel to Turkey on Monday for a training camp, friendlies and to complete visa applications before heading to the United States.

Team Melli will be returning to Antalya, where they trained and played friendlies in March.

They are taking a squad of 30 players, which will have to be trimmed to the World Cup maximum of 26. Perhaps the best known is 33-year-old former Porto striker Mehdi Taremi, now with Olympiacos.

“Selecting 30 players for this final training camp ahead of the World Cup was the most difficult technical decision of my coaching career,” head coach Amir Ghalenoei told the Iranian football federation website, adding he had selected players solely on “technical criteria”.

Iran hope to play two friendlies in Antalya. They have already confirmed one match, against Gambia, on May 29, said Sam Mehdizadeh, an Iranian-Canadian who heads a company that sets up friendlies for the team.

Iran and the US cut diplomatic ties in 1980 and the players are expected to use their time in Turkey to complete the necessary procedures for obtaining visas.

“No visas have been issued yet,” Mehdi Taj, the Iranian football federation head, told Iranian media.

Taj said players were expected to undergo fingerprinting in Turkey as part of the visa process but wished to avoid a trip of more than 280 miles (450km) from Antalya to Ankara.

Taj is expected to hold talks with Fifa president Gianni Infantino as Tehran seeks assurances for its squad amid tensions increased by the ongoing war.

He and the Iranian delegation met with Turkish football federation (TFF) president Ibrahim Ethem Haciosmanoglu and Mattias Grafstrom, the Fifa secretary general, on Saturday in Istanbul.

Dennis Dargahi , the German Iranian player, was recently added to Team Mell

“During this meeting, assessments were made regarding the training camp and preparations planned by the Iranian national team in Turkey ahead of the World Cup,” the TFF said on social media.

When the squad reaches the US, Iran will set up their base camp in Tucson, Arizona.
They are expected to kick off their World Cup campaign against New Zealand in Los Angeles on 15 June, before facing Belgium in the same city and then Egypt in Seattle, in Group G.

INITIAL 30 MAN ROSTER.

Goalkeepers: Alireza Beiranvand, Seyed Hossein Hosseini, Mohammad Khalifa, Payam Niazmand

Defenders: Daniyal Iri, Ehsan Hajsafi, Saleh Hardani, Hossein Kananizadegan, Shoja Khalilzadeh, Milad Mohammadi, Ali Nemati, Omid Noorafkan, Ramin Rezaian, Aria Yousefi

Midfielders: Roozbeh Cheshmi, Saeed Ezzatollahi, Mehdi Ghaedi, Saman Ghoddos, Mohammad Ghorbani, Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Mohammad Mohebi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Mehdi Torabi.

Forwards: Ali Alipour, Dennis Dargahi (AKA Dennis Eckert), Hadi Habibinejad, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Amir Hossein Mahmoudi, Kasra Taheri, and Mehdi Taremi

MAJOR ABSENTEES:

There is no place on this list for Sardar Azmoun (the third-highest scorer in Iranian history) due to non-sporting reasons. Also, Allahyar Sayyadmanesh (winger for Belgian team Westerlo) has been excluded, while the rising star Mohammad Javad Hosseinnejad (a young midfielder playing in Russia).
Other absentees include Ali Gholizadeh, Lech Poznan winger, who suffered a serious injury in the Polish League.

Iran to Face Gambia in May 2026 Friendly in Antalya

Team Melli will take on Gambia in an international friendly match on 29 May 2026 in Antalya, Turkey.

Iran have already secured their place in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. In contrast, Gambia have never qualified for a World Cup and currently rank 115th in the FIFA standings. This will be the first-ever meeting between the two nations at the international level.

For Iran, the friendly serves as a key preparation opportunity ahead of the world’s biggest football showpiece. Meanwhile, Gambia will use the match to gear up for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The game will take place at the same venue in Antalya where Iran previously faced Nigeria and Costa Rica.

According to Mehdi Taj, head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI), discussions are also underway with the Polish Football Association to arrange an additional friendly. Taj has personally reached out to his Polish counterpart, who proposed hosting the match in Poland. However, no final agreement has been reached yet.

Ghalenoei: Costa Rica Victory Should Not Deceive Us; Infantino Heard the Voice of the Oppressed

Amir Ghalenoei, head coach of Team Melli, spoke candidly following his side’s emphatic 5–0 victory over Costa Rica, cautioning against overconfidence while praising his players’ performance.

“After a demanding training camp, our players produced an excellent result today and secured a high-scoring win against a respectable and hardworking opponent,” Ghalenoei said. “However, this decisive result might mislead some into believing Costa Rica were a weak team, that is far from the truth.”

He pointed to Costa Rica’s recent form as evidence: “Just days ago, this same team managed to neutralize Jordan under their new coach and continued fighting until the final whistle. That is why I insist this victory should not fool us. Costa Rica has long been one of the strongest sides in the North American region and has even reached the World Cup quarterfinals in their history.”

Ghalenoei noted that despite Costa Rica’s absence from this year’s World Cup, they are in the midst of a rebuilding phase. “They are integrating several young players into their squad,” he explained. “Anyone who understands football knows that a team undergoing renewal can pose serious challenges to any opponent.”

Turning to his own squad’s performance, Ghalenoei expressed satisfaction while stressing the importance of continued growth. “From the very first whistle, our players implemented the tactical points we had emphasized, particularly in the attacking third. But we cannot afford to rest on this result. From the beginning, we made it clear that our objective in the friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica was never merely the outcome. Instead, we aimed to reinforce our strengths, address our weaknesses, and enhance overall team cohesion.”

He added: “We had the capacity to score even more goals today, but overall it was a solid, competitive, and highly beneficial match for us. In many respects, it was a valuable accomplishment.”

A Meaningful Encounter with Infantino

Ghalenoei also highlighted a significant off-field moment during the team’s Antalya training camp, the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

“This was a positive development in its own right,” Ghalenoei remarked. “One of the key outcomes of the Antalya camp was that the FIFA president joined us, and we were able to convey the voices of Iran’s oppressed people directly to Infantino.”

He elaborated on the message delivered: “In this brutal, imposed war that the enemies have waged unjustly against our country, it is not only national figures who have dedicated years of service to Iran who have suffered, but also ordinary citizens, among them, innocent children from Minab who have been martyred. We made this oppression known to him firsthand. You saw how they have even targeted our sports and historical sites in acts of cowardice.”

According to Ghalenoei, Infantino’s response was striking. “Despite threats from the U.S. president, the FIFA president announced his full support for our safe participation and necessary preparations for the World Cup.”

Team Melli Thrash Costa Rica 5-0 in Antalya Friendly

Team Melli delivered a commanding performance in their second friendly international, routing a physical Costa Rica side 5-0 at the Mardan Titanic Sports Complex in Antalya.

After the disappointment of a narrow defeat to Nigeria on Friday, head coach Amir Ghalenoei abandoned the experimental 3-5-1-1 formation in favor of the more familiar 4-3-3. The tactical switch yielded immediate dividends.

Iran were on the scoresheet inside ten minutes. Mehdi Taremi, who would go on to have a starring role, produced excellent work down the flank before setting up Ali Gholizadeh, who finished immaculately past the Costa Rican goalkeeper.

The lead was doubled nine minutes later when Hosseinzadeh was fouled in the box. Captain Taremi stepped up and converted the resulting penalty with ease to make it 2-0.

Taremi then turned provider once more, delivering a pinpoint assist for Mohammad Mohebi, who netted Iran’s third goal in the 31st minute. Shortly after, another foul on Mohebi resulted in a second penalty, which Taremi again dispatched to give Iran a 4-0 advantage at the break.

Early in the second half, substitute Mehdi Ghayedi produced the goal of the game, lashing home from the edge of the box after a rebound from a corner to complete the 5-0 rout.

Ghalenoei utilized the friendly to its full extent, making nine substitutions throughout the match. There were notable debuts for young talents, including 19-year-old Persepolis forward Amirhossein Mahmoudi. Amirmohammad Razzaghinia, another promising youngster, started the contest and played the full 90 minutes.

While Iran had suffered from wasteful finishing in the defeat to Nigeria, there were no such issues against a Costa Rican side that had drawn 2-2 with Jordan on Friday.

The performance was marked by a fluid passing game, with Iran showing composure even in congested areas. Diagonal balls and well-worked combinations produced another pleasing display, achieved despite the emotional stresses facing the squad.

Defensively, Iran were resolute. The central partnership of Nemati and Khalilzadeh provided stability, while Danial Esmaeilifar and Milad Mohammadi controlled the flanks. Goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini, who replaced Beiranvand, enjoyed a quiet first half with little to do.

Ali Gholizadeh continued his impressive form, capping his performance with the opening goal. Taremi, who had been disappointing against Nigeria, delivered a man-of-the-match display with two goals and two assists.

Costa Rica offered little attacking threat, but the match served as a valuable exercise for a Team Melli side that continues to grow in both stature and confidence. The integration of two young debutants also provided a refreshing boost for Ghalenoei’s squad.

In a surprise appearance, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the match at the Mardan Stadium practice field. Cameras frequently focused on Infantino throughout the first half. It is believed that the FIFA chief was present to meet with the Team Melli squad and management, offering support and reassurance ahead of the World Cup.

However, Infantino’s words may carry limited weight given the context of the host nation. Its president has publicly stated that he cannot guarantee the safety of the Iranian delegation, casting a shadow over what was otherwise a triumphant day on the pitch.

Team Melli Falls to Nigeria in Antalya Friendly: Progress Evident, but Flaws Persist

In their first international friendly of 2026, Team Melli suffered a narrow 2-1 defeat to Nigeria at the Mardan Stadium in Antalya. Goals from Moses Simon (7’) and Akor Adams (51’) secured the win for the Super Eagles, while Mehdi Taremi scored the lone consolation for Iran in the 67th minute.

The match served as a crucial test for Iran as they resumed preparations for the upcoming World Cup, following a lengthy break from international action. While the final score favored the Africans, the performance offered a mixed bag for head coach Amir Ghalenoei. Despite playing the more cohesive brand of football for large stretches, familiar shortcomings ultimately undermined the result.

Defensive Lapses Prove Costly

The two goals conceded highlighted ongoing concerns at the back, stemming from individual errors rather than systemic breakdowns. Veteran defender Hossein Kanani and Ali Nemati were culpable on the day, with each making costly mistakes that Nigeria ruthlessly exploited.

Tactical Shift Shows Promise

In a bid to inject more attacking impetus, Ghalenoei shifted to a three-man defensive line, deploying a 3-5-2 formation. The tactical adjustment allowed wing-backs Milad Mohammadi and Arya Yousefi to operate as advanced wide midfielders, a change that yielded positive results. Mohammadi, in particular, was a livewire on the left flank; one surging dribble saw him carve through the Nigerian defense to the byline, only for his cut-back to miss , Mohebbi , its intended target by inches inside the six-yard box.

Midfield Control but Attacking Frustration

The midfield trio functioned effectively, with Saman Ghoddos pulling the strings as the deep-lying playmaker. His intelligent distribution provided the platform for the advanced movements of Ghorbani and Ali Gholizadeh.

However, the offensive duo of Mohammad Mohebbi and Mehdi Taremi struggled to find consistent chemistry. Taremi, despite converting Iran’s only goal, delivered a performance that raised concerns. The veteran striker appeared sluggish and was frequently seen appealing for fouls rather than maintaining possession. Whether the issue is a lack of match fitness or a tendency to over-dramatize contact, Taremi’s physical edge, a hallmark of his game, was notably absent.

The second half represented Iran’s best period of the match. They controlled the tempo and created the better chances, yet once again fell victim to a recurring problem: poor finishing. What could have been a winning half instead became a frustrating reminder of the team’s inability to capitalize on momentum.

Lingering Concerns Ahead of the World Cup

Despite the encouraging overall display against a strong African side, the friendly illuminated several critical areas requiring immediate attention. Chief among them is the lack of clinical execution in the final third. Whether it is the weight of the final pass, the composure in front of goal, or the accuracy of the shot, this essential skill set remains alarmingly deficient.

Furthermore, questions linger regarding squad composition. The team’s discipline, on-field body language, and the advanced age of the core squad cast doubt on their ability to withstand the physical demands and high-pressure environment of the World Cup. If Iran is to compete on the global stage, addressing these vulnerabilities will be as crucial as refining the tactical framework that showed flashes of promise against Nigeria.

Ndidi joins Super Eagles, completes 22-Man squad for Iran

March 25, 2026 9:24 pm

The camp of Nigeria’s Super Eagles is now complete following the arrival of captain Wilfred Ndidi at the Bellis Deluxe Hotel in Antalya on Wednesday, ahead of upcoming international friendlies in Turkey.

Head Coach Eric Chelle had earlier named captain Ndidi, Alex Iwobi, and Ademola Lookman in a 23-man squad for the matches.

The fixtures were moved from Amman to Antalya due to the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East.

The Super Eagles will face Iran on March 27 at 4 p.m., before taking on Jordan on March 31 at 8 p.m. in Antalya.

Super Eagles Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, said Ndidi’s arrival brings leadership and balance to the squad ahead of Friday’s friendly.

super-eagles-team

Agency Report

“We are pleased to have our captain join the team today. His presence completes the list of invited players and strengthens the group,” Efoghe said.

He, however, confirmed the last-minute withdrawal of Calvin Bassey from the list of invited players due to a back injury sustained while on club duties.

“It is unfortunate that Bassey had to pull out late because of a back injury. We wish him a quick recovery and hope to have him back to the team soon,” he said.

Efoghe added that 22 players are currently in camp and fully involved in preparations for the upcoming encounter.

The team held its first training session at 4 p.m. local time (2 p.m. Nigerian time), with all available players participating actively.

Efoghe said the session focused on fitness drills, ball circulation, pressing exercises, and small-sided games to assess players’ readiness.

“The first training session was productive. The coaches engaged the players in light conditioning, tactical positioning, and ball work to get them in shape,” he said.

He said that the players responded well, showing intensity and commitment as they were put through their paces ahead of the clash with the Iranian national football team.

“The energy and response from the players were very encouraging. You can see the determination as they prepare for the match on Friday,” he added.

Efoghe said the technical crew would step up preparations in subsequent sessions to fine-tune strategies and cohesion.

“Thursday’s training will be more intense and tactical as the coaches begin to focus on specific match situations and game plans,” he said.

List of all 22 players in order of their arrival at camp

1. Fisayo Bashiru

2. Iwobi Alex

3. Emmanuel Oluwasegun

4. ⁠Yira Sor

5. ⁠Onuachu Paul

6. ⁠Philip Otele

7. ⁠Semi Ajayi

8. ⁠Moses Simon

9. ⁠Uzoho Francis

10. ⁠Bruno Onyemaechi

11. ⁠Bright Osayi

12. ⁠Frank Onyeka

13. ⁠Adebayo Adeleye

14. ⁠Ademola Lookman

15. ⁠Akor Adams

16. ⁠Chidera Ejuke

17. ⁠Raphael Onyedika

18. ⁠Igoh Ogbu

19. ⁠Maduka Okoye

20. ⁠Samuel Chukwueze

21. ⁠Zaidu Sanusi

22. Wilfred Ndidi

Costa Rica

Costa Rica committed to international friendly with Iran & Jordan

The Costa Rican National Team will maintain its international commitments in March, although with an important change in the venue. It will be the first matches of the National Team under the command of Argentine coach Fernando Bocha Batista

The Costa Rican Football Federation (FCRF) confirmed that the friendlies against the Jordanian National Team and the Iranian National Team will finally be played in Antalya, Turkey.

The move responds to the geopolitical context that is currently being experienced in the Middle East, which forced the search for a neutral venue to guarantee the development of the matches without setbacks.

According to the Federation, the Turkish city has recently been used for high-level international events.

Just a few weeks ago, Antalya was the scene of the women’s World Cup qualifying match between the Spanish women’s national team and the Ukrainian women’s national team, a match that took place normally.

The friendlies will mark the official debut of Argentine coach Fernando “Bocha” Batista at the helm of the Tricolor.

The first match will be on March 27 against Jordan, while on March 31 Costa Rica will face Iran.

For now, the Federation has not confirmed the schedules of both matches.

These matches are part of the preparation of the new process that the national team begins towards the next international competitions and the 2030 World Cup.

While the logistical details of the training sessions are being refined, the Argentine coach has already begun his process of direct observation of Costa Rican football.

On Friday night, Batista was present at the Alejandro Morera Soto Stadium, where he witnessed the victory of Liga Deportiva Alajuelense by 3-0 against Municipal Pérez Zeledón.

The Argentine coach also recently announced a microcycle of work with players from the local environment, one of the first actions of his project at the helm of the Sele.

Super Eagles To Open Camp March 24 For Iran, Jordan Friendlies

Nigeria’s senior national football team, the Super Eagles, are scheduled to open their training camp on March 24, 2026, in the coastal city of Antalya, Turkey, as it prepares for a reshaped international friendly campaign.

The team’s preparations will center around a four-nation invitational tournament, though the original host nation has been changed due to geopolitical instability in the region.

The tournament was initially planned to take place in Jordan, with fixtures slated for the capital, Amman. However, escalating military tensions across parts of the Middle East prompted security assessments that ultimately deemed the original stadiums unsuitable for hosting international matches.

Organisers subsequently made the decision to relocate the entire tournament to Antalya, a city that has become a frequent neutral-ground hub for football friendlies due to its established infrastructure and relative stability.

With the change of venue confirmed, the Super Eagles’ itinerary has been set. The team will kick off its campaign against Iran on Friday, March 27, with kickoff scheduled for 4:00 p.m. local time in Antalya.

Their second and final match of the invitational tournament will see them face the original hosts, Jordan, on Tuesday, March 31, under the lights with an 8:00 p.m. start.

The tournament format will provide each team with two competitive fixtures designed to simulate the demands of official competition.

For Nigeria, the two matches represent a critical opportunity for building momentum and cohesion. The Super Eagles have not played competitive football since their appearance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where they concluded their campaign with a third-place playoff encounter against Egypt.

As the team now looks ahead to the qualifying rounds for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the upcoming friendlies are expected to serve as a vital testing ground.

The coaching staff is anticipated to use the camp and matches to evaluate squad depth, experiment with tactical setups, and integrate both returning mainstays and emerging talents ahead of the resumption of official continental qualifiers.