Iran have taken a significant step towards confirming their place at the 2026 World Cup, flying to Turkey to begin pre-tournament preparations after FIFA offered fresh assurances over their participation, ending speculation that could have had major repercussions for the tournament.
The Iranian squad arrived in Istanbul on May 18, 2026, to start a training camp ahead of the summer tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The move comes after FIFA provided written guarantees that Iran would not face a last-minute ban, following weeks of uncertainty linked to political tensions.
Iran's qualification for the World Cup was secured in March 2026, but their participation was thrown into doubt due to ongoing geopolitical issues. The assurances from FIFA have now allowed the team to proceed with their preparations without further disruption.
The team is scheduled to play friendly matches during their stay in Turkey before traveling to the tournament venue. Iran have been drawn in Group C alongside Argentina, Sweden, and South Korea, with their opening match set for June 15, 2026.
