The Iranian national football team, currently finalizing preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, is set to play two official international friendly matches during the June FIFA window. As part of the buildup, Amir Ghalenoei’s squad will first travel to Turkey in May for a preparatory training camp, which will include several matches against club sides in addition to the scheduled national team fixtures.
The Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) is currently evaluating a shortlist of potential opponents. CONCACAF nations, the Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, and El Salvador, are under serious consideration, alongside two or three European countries. Negotiations with Spain remain active, though a final agreement has yet to be reached.
Additionally, Team Melli is expected to play a friendly match on American soil as part of its acclimatization for the tournament co-hosted by the United States.
The federation’s plans have, however, encountered a hiccup regarding the previously proposed match against Puerto Rico. Federation requests have reportedly pushed that fixture to the verge of cancellation. As a contingency, the FFIRI has opened talks with the Panamanian Football Federation. Should the Puerto Rico match fall through officially, Panama will step in as the replacement opponent.
Team Melli will start a local training camp in Tehran on Monday, 20th April, utilizing the suspension of the domestic league.