Tag: FIFA World Cup 2026

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.

FIFA says it held positive talks with Mehdi Taj ahead of World Cup

By Ali Kucukgocmen

ISTANBUL, May 16 (Reuters) – FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom held a constructive and positive meeting with Iran’s FA (FFIRI) President Mehdi Taj on Saturday, he told Reuters, expressing confidence about the country’s participation at this year’s World Cup.

Iran are scheduled to play all three of their group matches in the United States but the team’s participation in the June 11 to July 19 tournament has been in question since the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran in late February.

Soccer Football - Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom - Istanbul, Turkey - May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, Turkish Football Federation president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu and Secretary General Hedayat Mombeni. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom – Istanbul, Turkey – May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom, Turkish Football Federation president Ibrahim Haciosmanoglu and Secretary General Hedayat Mombeni. REUTERS/Murad Sezer© Thomson Reuters

“We’ve had an excellent and constructive meeting together with the Iran FA,” Grafstrom said during a visit to Istanbul. “We’re working closely together and looking very much forward to welcoming them in the FIFA World Cup.”

More questions have arisen after FFIRI’s Taj was refused entry to Canada for the FIFA Congress in Vancouver earlier this month because of his links to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Soccer Football - Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom - Istanbul, Turkey - May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj and Secretary General Hedayat Mombeni with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom – Istanbul, Turkey – May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj and Secretary General Hedayat Mombeni with FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom. REUTERS/Murad Sezer© Thomson Reuters

The U.S. and Canada, who are co-hosting the World Cup with Mexico, classify the IRGC as a “terrorist entity” and have made it clear they will not admit people with links to the elite military force.

Grafstrom declined to provide details on the visa situation for Iran’s players, but said the two sides had the opportunity to discuss some of the operational matters and had a positive exchange.

Taj told Reuters that FFIRI had a very good meeting with Grafstrom and other FIFA officials.

“I am pleased that they listened to Iran’s points, all 10 points that we had raised, and they offered solutions for each of them. I hope, God willing, that our national team can go to the World Cup without any problems and achieve very good results there,” he said.Soccer Football - Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom - Istanbul, Turkey - May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom speak with Reuters after their meeting. REUTERS/Murad Sezer

Iran Football Association president Mehdi Taj meets FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom – Istanbul, Turkey – May 16, 2026 Iranian FA President Mehdi Taj and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom speak with Reuters after their meeting. REUTERS/Murad Sezer© Thomson Reuters

Asked if FIFA had secured assurances on entry and visa arrangements for Iran’s players, Grafstrom declined to elaborate.

“We’ve discussed all relevant matters, but I think it’s not the place to discuss the details,” he said. “Overall, a very positive meeting and we’re looking forward to continuing the dialogue.”

Iran had asked for their World Cup matches to be switched to Mexico but FIFA President Gianni Infantino insists that all games must be played at the grounds originally scheduled.

Iran’s squad will leave Tehran for a training camp in Turkey on Monday before moving on to their U.S. base at the Kino Sports Complex in Tucson, Arizona in early June.

Iran are scheduled to get their World Cup campaign under way against New Zealand in Los Angeles on June 15. They are also due to play Belgium and Egypt in Group G.

(Reporting by Ali Kucukgocmen: Writing by Daren Butler; Editing by Ken Ferris

Teymourian discusses Team Melli preperations.

National team coach Andranik Teymourian has emphasized that the upcoming training camp in Turkey will be a vital phase for refining the squad’s weaknesses ahead of the World Cup, with the preliminary player list set to be announced within days.

Speaking to ISNA, Teymourian detailed how the Turkey camp is designed to be the final piece in the team’s tactical preparation. “The technical staff monitored the players and designed exercises for them based on their physical conditions,” he said. “The players had a few good weeks of training, and with Mr. Ghalenoei’s guidance, it was decided to hold intra-squad matches because the Premier League hasn’t started. But Turkey is where everything must come together.”

He confirmed that the initial squad list will be unveiled shortly, noting that a few players are likely to miss the crucial gathering. “The preliminary list will be announced in the next one to two days. I think there are a few people who will not accompany us in the Turkish camp—that decision rests with Mr. Ghalenoei’s perspective.”

Teymourian stressed that the camp is intended to transform the team’s remaining flaws into strengths. “We did very well in defense, midfield, and attack phases, but turning weaknesses into strengths takes time. I hope this process will be fully completed during our time in Turkey, so we can attend the World Cup fully prepared. I want all our players available there so we can maximize every session.”

Regarding the friendly schedule leading into the camp, Teymourian explained that two matches were canceled at the last minute, but a confirmed game against Gambia will serve as a key test. “There has also been some talk about a match with Puerto Rico,” he added.

Looking beyond the training camp to the World Cup itself, the coach voiced strong optimism. “Everyone’s wish is for the national team to advance to the higher stages of the World Cup. Iran has a real chance to do so, and the work we put in now in Turkey will be the foundation for that.”

On the Asian Cup, he remained focused on the immediate task. “We had a very good draw for the Asian Cup, but it is too early to discuss it. Our priority now is the World Cup. We first need a good result in the World Cup, and then we can talk about the Asian Cup. After the World Cup, newer players will be added, though we already have a strong blend of youth and experience.”

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: Iran can do something epic

6 May 2026
fifa.com

Team Melli head coach Amir Ghalenoei tells FIFA of his belief that IR Iran can advance to the knockout stage of a World Cup for the first time this summer.

  • IR Iran are set to make their seventh FIFA World Cup appearance
  • Aiming to advance to the knockout stage for the first time
  • Vastly experienced head coach Amir Ghalenoei speaks to FIFA

Thrice continental champions and semi-finalists at the previous two editions of the Asian Cup, IR Iran are a long-established juggernaut on their home patch. Translating that continental success to global impact has though proven a tougher than expected ask.

Regular participants they may be, with the nation having qualified for five of the past six editions of the FIFA World Cup™, but Iran are still surprisingly searching for a maiden appearance in the knockout stage.

Across half a dozen tournament outings, Team Melli has made an early exit on each occasion, with only three wins from their 18 matches to date.

The belief internally is that the current side, blessed with a fine generation of experienced talent, is the one poised to finally end that run of outs, as head coach Amir Ghalenoei explains to FIFA.

IR Iran players line up prior to a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier against United Arab Emirates

“We’ve had many problems recently, but the players tried their best and made sacrifices. They worked so hard [through qualification] and sacrificed a lot, so it is my job to thank them.

“They can do something epic in the World Cup. They can do it, they have the technical potential to make this a World Cup to remember.”

Situated in a group containing a trio of continental heavyweights in the form of Belgium, Egypt and New Zealand, the going certainly won’t be easy. Ghalenoei can though take comfort from a qualification campaign that his side made fairly light work of, as well as a string of solid results thereafter.

Outside of the three co-hosts, Iran were the third nation to secure qualification, doing so on 20 March last year, five days after their AFC brethren Japan became the first nation to punch their ticket to North America.

Their only defeat in those 16 AFC preliminaries came at the hands of Qatar, after qualification was already secure. Since then, they’ve reached the final of the CAFA Nations Cup and drawn with fellow World Cup-bound nations Cabo Verde and Uzbekistan at an invitational tournament in the United Arab Emirates last year.

Another invitational event, held in Türkiye last month, saw a narrow loss at the hands of Nigeria, followed by a thumping 5-0 win against Costa Rica.

Set against the backdrop of an ongoing conflict that has shuttered the domestic league, forced the national team to play abroad and created numerous logistical issues, the veteran coach is proud of his team’s resolve.

IR Iran players celebrate qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026

“I am really proud of this team for many reasons, because we’ve faced a difficult situation with all the problems and concerns, one of which was being unable to host games, but we were one of the first teams to qualify for the World Cup.

“Iran has a special talent whereby in tough times we find or create solutions. We managed to get to this level in spite of a difficult situation. Currently, there are two months to go until the World Cup, but we are in very difficult moment.

“My view though is that through football we can bring joy to families and Iranian society, both inside and outside the country. Football is a concept or project that can bring states and nations closer together. That can be national or global, like Argentina or Brazil having fans everywhere.

“Football in Iran is also like that and I hope that through football we can bring about national unity, despite the current problems in our country. We love our people and want to bring them happiness. I hope we can do that through football.

“My goal is for there to be no war anywhere in the world so people can enjoy football and enjoy their lives. This is my message through football to the world and my people.”

Born in Tehran, Ghalenoei has been at the coalface of Iranian football for close to half a century. As a player, he began his youth career at Rah Ahan, just a year after Iran’s debut World Cup outing, at Argentina 1978.

The bulk of his playing days were spent at Tehran giants Esteghlal, where the former midfielder earned more than a dozen national team caps, before transitioning into coaching in 1999, a year after Iran ended a 20-year wait to make a second World Cup appearance.

IR Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei gestures during a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier with United Arab Emirates

Now 62, there is little that Ghalenoei hasn’t experienced in a career that has risen and fallen with the concurrent highs and lows of Iranian football.

Set against that vast well of experience, it is notable that, in spite of the obstacles the team faces, Ghalenoei is adamant that Iran has the capability to write a new chapter in their footballing history this northern summer.

“We want to create some great memories at this World Cup. We’re ready with the experience that the team has from previous World Cups to make it through to the knock-out round for the first time. We won’t be satisfied with just the group stage but I want us to play good football, not just try to get results.

“I also want to thank our wonderful fans, both inside and outside the country, who have stuck by the national team. They are the reason we managed to qualify. I probably had the least important role of anyone.”

Team Melli plays a competitive Intra-Squad Match.

TEHRAN The Iranian national football team continued its training camp for the FIFA World Cup 2026 with a second intra-squad friendly match on Wednesday, May 6, held at Tehran’s Dastgerdi Stadium. The Red team emerged as the clear victor, defeating the White team 3-1 in a competitive and revealing encounter.

The training match saw the squad divided into two sides, Red and White, as head coach Amir Ghalenoei seeks to assess player readiness and tactical combinations ahead of upcoming international commitments.

The Red team broke the deadlock in the 52nd minute with a moment of individual brilliance. Saleh Hardani connected cleanly on a superb volley that left the White goalkeeper with no chance, putting the Reds ahead 1-0.

Just one minute later, in the 53rd minute, the Reds doubled their lead. Payam Nezamd, the White team’s goalkeeper, attempted to intercept a dangerous advance by Hadi Habibinejad but misjudged the situation. Habibinejad capitalized on the error to slot home the second goal for the Red team.

The Reds continued to dominate possession and chances, and in the 73rd minute, they added a third. Following a corner kick, defender Roozbeh Cheshmi rose highest to direct a powerful header into the net. The goal was facilitated by another mistake from White goalkeeper Payam Nezamd, whose poorly timed exit from his goal line left Cheshmi with a relatively easy finish.

The White team refused to bow out quietly, however, and managed a late consolation. In the 89th minute, Amirhossein Mahmoudi fired a well-placed shot past Alireza Beiranvand—the Red team’s goalkeeper—to make the final score 3-1..

Lineups

White Team: Seyed Payam Nezamd (GK), Shoja Khalilzadeh, Aref Aghasi, Daniyal Esmailifar, Ehsan Hajsafi, Aref Hajieidi, Amir Mohammad Razaghinia, Amir Hossein Mahmoudi, Mehdi Torabi, Amir Hossein Hosseinzadeh, Kasra Taheri.

Red Team: Alireza Beiranvand (GK), Mohammad Hossein Kanaanizadegan, Ali Nemati, Saleh Hardani, Milad Mohammadi, Roozbeh Cheshmi, Omid Noorafkan, Aria Yousefi, Mehdi Hashemnejad, Hadi Habibinejad, Ali Alipour.

The intra-squad match served as the second such exercise under the watchful eye of Amir Ghalenoei and his technical staff, who are carefully evaluating players fitness and form while collecting performance metrics. The team will continue its preparatory program with a training camp in Turkey, with the squad scheduled to depart on May 15 for further drills and potential friendly matches before their next official fixtures.

Team Melli’s Star Ali Gholizadeh Suffers Severe Knee Injury, World Cup Hopes in Jeopardy

TEHRAN – In a devastating blow for both club and country, Iranian national team winger Ali Gholizadeh sustained a serious left knee injury during Lech Poznan’s Polish Ekstraklasa clash against Motor Lublin. Polish sports outlets have since reported that the 28-year-old is likely to miss the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lech Poznan secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Motor Lublin in the 31st week of the Polish league. Gholizadeh, who started the match, was involved in a distressing incident just 16 minutes into the game.

The unfortunate event unfolded when Gholizadeh leapt over an opposing player from Motor Lublin. Upon landing, he collided awkwardly with another defender, causing his left knee to buckle severely under his weight. The player immediately collapsed to the turf and, despite several agonizing moments, was unable to rise. Teammates and medical staff quickly rushed to his side, with visible concern on their faces , especially given the proximity of the upcoming World Cup.

Polish outlet Interia reported that the initial assessments are alarming. “The nature of the non-contact landing and the immediate reaction of the player suggest a potential cruciate ligament injury,” the site noted. “It appears that Gholizadeh could face a prolonged period on the sidelines, effectively ruling him out of the 2026 World Cup.”

Lech Poznan has yet to release an official medical statement, but sources close to the club fear the worst. The Iranian national team medical staff has reportedly been in contact with their Polish counterparts.

A Painful Déjà Vu

The timing of the injury is especially cruel. Gholizadeh was a key member of Team Melli under Carlos Queiroz during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. In Iran’s historic Group B match against England, which ended 6-2 in favor of the Three Lions, Gholizadeh delivered a moment of pride for Iranian football. It was his precise cross from the right wing that found Mehdi Taremi, who scored Iran’s first goal of the tournament, a strike that briefly silenced the packed Khalifa International Stadium.

Since then, Gholizadeh has remained a consistent performer for both his club and country, known for his dribbling ability, pace, and work rate. His potential absence would leave a significant gap on Iran’s right flank as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup, where they are expected to face top-tier opposition.

What’s Next?

Gholizadeh is expected to undergo an MRI scan in the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage. If a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is confirmed, recovery typically takes six to nine months, making a summer 2026 return impossible. Iranian fans and pundits are anxiously awaiting official news, but early signs point to a heartbreaking setback.

For now, the entire Iranian football community holds its breath, hoping for a less severe diagnosis—but preparing for the worst.

Taj was allowed into Canada but returned back in protest.

May 1 (Reuters) – Iranian soccer federation president Mehdi Taj said Canadian officials cleared him to enter the country for the FIFA Congress, but Iran’s delegation chose to turn back after being held for three hours and questioned at a Toronto airport, Iranian media reported on Friday.

Taj, a former member of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), said he was questioned by Canadian immigration about his ties to the group, but was ultimately allowed into the country for the pre-World Cup gathering in Vancouver.

Canadian authorities have said members of the IRGC are prohibited from entering the country, which is set to co-host the World Cup from June along with the United States and Mexico.

“We all had visas and were even checked in Turkey. They told us they had questions for you and asked if we were members of the IRGC,” Iran’s semi-official news agency Tasnim quoted Taj as saying.

“We told them that there are 90 million IRGC members in Iran. They said that we don’t allow people from this organisation in. They said that it is the laws of our country.

“After a while, they said you can enter but we decided to return. They didn’t deport us and we decided to return ourselves… I told the Canadians that you kept us at the airport for three hours, you made us wait for nothing.”

Reuters has contacted Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, which issues visas to travel to the country, for comment.

Taj said FIFA president Gianni Infantino had offered to send a jet to take the Iranian delegation to Canada after they returned to Turkey, but they refused.

“I told the FIFA secretary general (Mattias Grafstrom) that you are intimidated by America and that you say ‘yes sir’ to whatever they say,” he said.

Reuters has reached out to FIFA for comment.

Infantino insisted on Thursday that Iran would play World Cup matches in the United States, despite tensions between the two countries since the U.S. and Israel launched a war against Iran in February. FIFA earlier rejected Tehran’s request for alternative venues for matches on U.S. soil.

“We need to hold a meeting with FIFA officials to ensure that if we are to come to the World Cup, there should be no side issues and controversies for our team,” Taj said about Iran’s participation.

Amir Ghalenoei

Ghalenoei Details Iran’s Grueling Path to World Cup Readiness Amid Domestic League Suspension

Tehran, Iran – Amir Ghalenoei, the head coach of the Iranian national football team (Team Melli), has offered a candid assessment of his squad’s preparations for the upcoming World Cup, revealing the significant challenges posed by the suspension of the domestic Premier League.

Speaking at the conclusion of an intra-team friendly match, Ghalenoei did not shy away from the difficulties his players have faced. “The national team’s training camp began under the most demanding of circumstances,” he stated. “The Premier League was suspended, and as a result, the players were far from their ideal physical condition.”

The coach went on to highlight specific shortcomings that have emerged during the early stages of training. “We have identified several weaknesses in our performance data,” Ghalenoei explained. “Most notably, we are falling short of global benchmarks when it comes to physical fitness and conditioning.” This admission underscores the uphill battle the coaching staff faces in bridging the gap with top-tier international opponents.

To combat this, Ghalenoei revealed that the team’s current training regimen is deliberately intense. “We have designed the exercises to maintain a high level of pressure on the players,” he said. “The goal is to ensure they reach full physical fitness precisely by the time we begin our next training camp in Turkey.” Despite the grueling schedule, the head coach praised his squad’s mentality. “The players are highly motivated and putting in tremendous effort. Looking ahead, conditions will improve once our legionnaire [overseas-based] players join the national team. With their addition, we hope to conduct training even more efficiently.”

Ghalenoei also provided a detailed roadmap of Team Melli’s travel and preparation plans. “We will depart for Turkey on May 12 and remain there for approximately twenty days,” he confirmed. During their stay in Turkey, the team is exploring options for a high-profile warm-up match. “If possible, we will arrange a training match in the United States,” Ghalenoei said, outlining two potential timelines. “We will travel to the United States about 14 to 15 days before the start of the World Cup. However, if a training match there, is not feasible, we will still head to the U.S. ten days prior to the tournament.”

These comments reveal a logistical balancing act for the Iranian federation, as they seek to secure crucial friendly matches while managing player fatigue and travel demands. With domestic football on hold, Ghalenoei’s focus remains squarely on sharpening his team’s physical edge and integrating his European-based stars in time for the world’s biggest stage.

Mehdi Taj “Iran Ready for World Cup, despite US government hostalities”

The head of the Football Federation Islamic Republic of Iran (FFIRI) has addressed the situation of the national football team regarding the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, expressing deep concern over American hostility while reaffirming Iran’s determination to prepare vigorously for the tournament.

“Given the evils of the American authorities, we do not see a favorable prospect for holding the World Cup under current conditions,” the FFIRI chief stated. “Nevertheless, we are preparing ourselves for a strong and honorable presence in these competitions.”

He confirmed that the list of national team players for the upcoming camp has been announced, with training set to begin Monday at the national teams’ camp in Tehran. “Our effort is to ensure that there is no disruption to the national team’s preparation process,” he added.

Common Goal: World Cup Qualification and Honor

Referring to Team Melli’s objectives, the FFIRI head emphasized national unity: “All our efforts are to prepare the national team for a strong presence on the path to qualifying for the World Cup. The federation, the country’s sports complex, and the people all support the national team. Our common goal is to advance and participate honorably in the World Cup.”

Request to Move Matches to Mexico. No Final Decision Yet

Regarding the FFIRI’s formal request to change the venue for Iran’s matches from the United States to Mexico, the official provided an update: “Requests have been made, and follow-ups are ongoing regarding moving the venue of the games to Mexico. However, FIFA has already carried out processes such as ticket sales, the lottery, and stadium determinations. Any change requires extensive coordination. We are following up so that this important step can be taken if possible.”

He clarified that no final decision has been made, and the outcome depends on FIFA’s cooperation and security assurances from host authorities.
The FIFA President has already confirmed that there is no chance of Iran’s matches being moved to Mexico.

Warm-up Match with Spain Still Under Review

On the possibility of a friendly match with Spain, the FFIRI head said: “The match with Spain has not yet been finalized for cancellation. We are still discussing whether the conditions for holding this warm-up match will be met. This issue is being followed up, and an announcement will be made if it is finalized.”

No Interference in Player Selection – Denis Eckert Addition Planned

Addressing rumors about Sardar Azmoun’s invitation to the national team camp, the FFIRI chief stressed: “The head of the federation does not interfere in the selection or invitation of any player. The selection of players, determining the main squad, and selecting warm-up opponents are within the authority of the national team head coach. The federation does not interfere in which player must be in the permanent squad or in technical decisions. We provide the frameworks and facilities; the technical decisions are the responsibility of the head coach.”
The exclusion of Sardar Azmoun from Iran’s last two friendlies against Nigeria and Costa Rica, allegedly over a social media post showing him with the Ruler of Dubai, has become the catalyst for what many view as a politically motivated decision. To date, no official explanation has been provided for his absence. Neither the FFIRI, head coach Amir Ghalenoei, nor any other authoritative source has offered a reason for sidelining Team Melli’s second-highest all-time scorer.

The lack of transparency has fueled speculation, especially given that Azmoun is now fully fit and is set to play in the AFC Champions League Elite semi-final on Monday.

Mehdi Taj also confirmed a new addition: “We have planned to add a striker from Belgium, Denis Eckert, to the national team.”